Fantomina

October 20, 2009 jennleonard

Ok, so it took me forever to figure out how to get back to this page… apparently there is no direct link from my blog?? Anyway, Im back and am going to put up a few posts with my thoughts from the past few weeks.

First up, Fantomina… I actually really really liked this read. She is conniving, daring, strong and overall humorous. Not sure if it is intended to come across that way, but I can’t help but giggle at all of her disguises and how Beauplasir never seems to catch on!

On a more serious note, when reading literature, any sort of literature, I have always found that I have a soft spot for pieces that celebrate women’s rights. Now, don’t get me wrong, I am in no way some crazy sort of activist, but I mean seeing a strong independent female character step outside of the social norms is just so pleasing. Fantomina dared to do things that were unheard of in her time…she took charge, and whether you agree with her actions or not, we can all agree that she went after what she wanted, which is something a lot of people hold back on in life. I found that even though I thought she wasted too much time on Beauplasir, I was still impressed at her determination.

In a culture that was supporting men as the dominant sex, I feel that Haywood really showed her resistance. Although we, in 2009 cannot possibly understand how it was in 1725, when the novel was first published. All in all I really enjoyed this read, it was entertaining and she didn’t drive me near as crazy as Crusoe!!

-Jenn