The Poem 'Epistle From Mrs. Onge To Her Husband'

Lady Mary Wortley Montagu demonstrates female agency by defending Mrs. Yonge’s reputation after separation from Mr. Yonge by writing the poem “Epistle from Mrs. [Y]onge to Her Husband”. Montagu writes this poem from Mrs. Yonge’s point of view as a means of persuading the public to take both Montagu’s and Mrs. Yonge’s side. Montagu’s appeal to reason is an example of female agency – she takes a quality that is primarily associated with men, and uses “reason” to change the public’s opinion of Mrs. Yonge. Further, Montagu shows agency when she openly berates Mr. Yonge for his selfish behaviour, as well as brazenly speaking about the sexist attitudes society held towards women. CONCLUDING SENTENCE. Montagu displays female agency when she tries to change the public’s opinion of Mrs. Yonge’s poor reputation by appealing to reason in a number of ways – consent, the law, nature, and the development of masculine traits. Montagu begins this argument with “If sighs have gained or force compelled our hand, / Deceived by art, or urged by stern command, / Whatever motive binds the fatal tie” (lines 11-13). Montagu illustrates the ways in which women are coerced into marriage, and points out how men will go to any length to impose marriage on a woman. This demonstrates that non-consensual marriage is not reasonable. Continuing with this …show more content…
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