The paper provides a fictional script of a dialogue between Mary Shelley and Emily Dickinson. The dialogue discusses their works and the impact they have made in developing a progressive society for women. Further, women's roles were analyzed, between 19th century Western society (Shelley and Dickinson's time) and the post-modern society. Lastly, modernism was applied in the context of their works and on Shelley and Dickinson themselves, who are considered modern social thinkers of their time.
Mary Shelley & Emily Dickinson
Women's Roles Then and Now: A Dialogue between Mary Shelley and Emily Dickinson
Mary and Emily are having an afternoon tea at Emily's Homestead garden. In the midst of enjoying the different flowering plants that Emily had planted in the garden, the women talked about and compared their lives way back in 19th century Western society and in the present time.
MARY: I know I should not be surprised anymore, but news of another reprint and publication of my novel, Frankenstein, still amazes me. Imagine the literary and commercial success of the novel! And both critics and literary scholars hail me as one of the pillars of modernist thought in 19th century English literature. To think that during my time, they even doubted that someone like me, a woman, would be able to write a novel as groundbreaking, thought-provoking, and, as they say -- "modern"!
EMILY: I understand you completely, Mary. I was also criticized in the same way I was loved because of my poetry. People who love my poetry consider me a "modern American poet," but my critics think otherwise. They say that I am not a poet, because I do not follow or respect the technical rules, specifically, metric structures that poems must adhere to. And they say I use a lot of dashes, imagine! Not to mention that I have poems that would be regarded during our time -- and in my society -- as bold for a woman to speak about, much more in a poem. But look now! Today, I cannot believe I am considered a "great" poet, writing modern poetry ahead of my time. The structure and themes of my poems -- well, I guess even though I have not published most of my poems before my death, this is a fortunate decision because there is now more appreciation for my works now than before!
MARY: Indeed, societies have come a long way now. Look here, in this very neighborhood we are in. During my time, women's freedom to express themselves is limited. If they show extraordinary talent, skill, or intellect, they would be doubted if they are indeed talented and/or intelligent. And if indeed they are, people would look for flaws that would discredit the woman's talent or intellect. Believe me, I have experienced the same thing. I cannot get over the fact that people doubted that it was I who wrote Frankenstein! The novel's author was anonymous, and because my husband Percy provided the introduction to the novel, they thought it was his work. When they learned that it was me, they doubted, they cannot believe that I can write an original and shall I say -- a modern masterpiece. Not only was I underestimated; I was also criticized greatly for my involvement with Percy. His father's unwillingness to accept me as Percy's wife simply mirrors what society, people like Percy's father, think of me and regard me as a woman. In my society, I have to work really hard and be brave enough to not only to sustain our family, but also to maintain my image as a credible novelist and editor. The success of Frankenstein and increased popularity and wide reception of Percy's poetry after his death are proof that indeed, I have not failed and in fact, excelled in both fields.
EMILY: Oh, the intrigues! They never end, do they? I think in as much as we are considered "modern" writers, it is almost inevitable that we will be linked with "modern issues" as well. After my death, rumors spread that I am romantically linked with my brother's wife, Sue. My affectionate letters prove this, they say. And the seemingly lack of a male romantic friend or acquaintance, as reflected (or not reflected) in my letters prove this rumor, 'modern investigators' would say. I am not confirming nor denying the rumor, but there is just so much that people can learn from a person through her letters, and even her poetry. Yes, I speak my mind through letters and poetry, but to draw assumptions about what my life had been during my time? Well, all I could say is it would be difficult. I myself may not have been aware that I am being "modern" in my time and the kind of society I live in. I just learned to live based on what I see fit for me. I prefer solitary moments with my plants, the paper, and pen. I like socializing, but I realized I socialize better through my writing. Writing is the way I best expressed myself, and this I can prove through the long friendships I had until I died. Then, I was called a recluse. Now, I am a woman who was able to speak her mind, and even act on what she considered was right at that time. Well, for me, I was just being myself then, as I am with you now.
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