Robinson's Criticisms of the Literary Community

One part of volume two that I found particularly interesting began on page 215 in Robinson’s description of Mrs. Woodward. Woodward had a desire to be a well-respected in the author. Robinson’s account of Woodward’s experiences leads us to believe that Woodward was unfairly treated. We are told “…it is too frequently the case that the most polished works suffer the severity of unjustifiable condemnation, merely to gratify the spleen of individuals, who are as far removed from the glowing impulse of genius, as from the pure and gentle sensations of philanthropy.” (216)

I believe part of what this section is doing is addressing Robinson’s own critics at the time. Robinson mentions the importance of a politics in literary works at this time. One of the criticisms her contemporaries leveled at Robinson was about the political content of her work. In this very edition one of the reviewers criticizes her “false notions” (502) of French politics. Woodward publishes a sartorial poem that the public clamored to read, but her publisher was bullied into ceasing distribution.

Like many of the negative reviews that we have seen so far in our class presentations, most of the negative reviews of Robinson blame most perceived failings of her work on her sex. Robinson goes after these critics lamenting that their assaults could deprive the world of the work of those whose “…mental powers would enlighten the world…” and reminds the critics that they will be forgotten.

This whole section of volume two (215-220) is a big criticism of the methods that those in power use to deprive the public (we the readers) of sources of enlightenment.