1.
When was Mary Wollstonecraft born?
Correct Answer
B. 1759
Explanation
Mary Wollstonecraft was born in 27 April 1759. This date marks the beginning of the life of one of the most influential feminist philosophers of the 18th century. Born during a time when women's rights were severely limited, her birth year places her firmly within the historical context necessary to appreciate her later works, which directly challenged the norms of her time and laid the groundwork for future feminist movements.
2.
What is her most notable work?
Correct Answer
B. A Vindication of the Rights of Woman
Explanation
"A Vindication of the Rights of Woman" is her most notable work. Published in 1792, this treatise is one of the earliest works of feminist philosophy. In it, Wollstonecraft argues against the notion that women are naturally inferior to men and asserts that women only appear to be inferior because of a lack of education. This work significantly contributed to the feminist discourse, advocating for equal educational opportunities for women.
3.
Who was Wollstonecraft's famous daughter?
Correct Answer
A. Mary Shelley
Explanation
Mary Shelley, the famous author of "Frankenstein," was her daughter. Mary Shelley was influenced heavily by her mother's ideas and writings, despite Wollstonecraft dying shortly after her birth. Shelley's own literary career and her creation of "Frankenstein" are often seen as part of the intellectual legacy left by her mother.
4.
What philosophical movement was her husband associated with?
Correct Answer
B. Anarchism
Explanation
Her husband, William Godwin, was associated with anarchism. Godwin was a radical philosopher and one of the forefathers of the anarchist movement. His philosophical views on political justice and his marriage to Wollstonecraft intertwined their personal and professional lives, influencing their writings and ideologies.
5.
How old was Wollstonecraft when she died?
Correct Answer
B. 38
Explanation
Wollstonecraft died at the age of 38. Her relatively young death came shortly after the birth of her second daughter, Mary Shelley. Wollstonecraft's death was caused by complications from the delivery, highlighting the harsh realities of women's health issues during her time.
6.
What genre did Wollstonecraft primarily write in?
Correct Answer
B. Treatises
Explanation
She primarily wrote treatises, a type of formal and systematic written discourse on a subject. Wollstonecraft's contributions to literature were primarily in the form of treatises and essays where she articulated her philosophical and feminist convictions, most notably in her works advocating for women's rights and education.
7.
Which country was she born in?
Correct Answer
D. England
Explanation
Mary Wollstonecraft's birth in Spitalfields, London, in 1759 positioned her in the midst of one of the most dynamic capitals of Europe during a period of significant social, political, and intellectual ferment. London during the 18th century was a major cultural and economic hub, attracting thinkers, writers, and artists from across the continent. This vibrant environment undoubtedly influenced Wollstonecraft's developing ideas and ideals.
8.
Who was NOT a partner of Wollstonecraft?
Correct Answer
B. Percy Shelley
Explanation
Percy Shelley was not a partner of Wollstonecraft; he was the husband of her daughter Mary Shelley. This distinction is important as it clarifies the familial and romantic connections within the Shelley-Wollstonecraft circle, which significantly influenced the literary and philosophical output of the group.
9.
What was a major theme in her writings?
Correct Answer
B. Women's rights
Explanation
Women's rights were a major theme in her writings. Wollstonecraft's advocacy for women's rights is evident in her argument for educational equality and her critiques of societal norms that subjugated women. Her writings remain foundational texts in the study of women's rights and feminist theory.
10.
What did her husband publish after her death?
Correct Answer
C. A memoir
Explanation
Her husband published a memoir after her death. William Godwin wrote "Memoirs of the Author of A Vindication of the Rights of Woman" in 1798, a year after her death. This publication controversially detailed her personal life, including her unorthodox relationships and her illegitimate children, which initially damaged her reputation but also cemented her status as a significant figure in literary and feminist history.