Mary Augusta Ward

Mary Augusta Ward00

Mary Augusta Ward (1851–1920), also known by her married name as Mrs. Humphry Ward, was a prominent British novelist of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. She was a best-selling author of her time, known for her nuanced exploration of social issues and her involvement in women's suffrage and education reform. Despite her conservative views on women's suffrage, Ward's literary contributions and her efforts in social reform have made her a significant figure in the history of British literature and social activism.

Biography

Mary Augusta Ward was born in Hobart, Tasmania, but moved to England at a young age. She grew up in a family deeply involved in literature and social reform, which influenced her future works and activism. Ward began her career writing articles for magazines, but she gained fame with her novel Robert Elsmere (1888), which explored the crisis of faith in contemporary society. This novel, and many of her subsequent works, addressed the religious doubts and social questions of the time, making her a central figure in the intellectual debates of her era.

Throughout her life, Ward was deeply involved in social causes, particularly in the area of education. She founded the Mary Ward Centre in London, aimed at providing higher education opportunities for women and the poor. Despite her progressive stance on education, Ward was a notable opponent of women's suffrage, arguing that women could exert more influence through social and educational reform rather than through the vote. This position put her at odds with many suffragists and feminists of her time.

Literary Career

Ward's literary output was prolific and varied, encompassing novels, non-fiction, and children's literature. Her novels often dealt with complex social issues, such as the role of religion in society (Robert Elsmere), the challenges of marriage and personal freedom (The History of David Grieve), and the impact of poverty and social class on individuals (Marcella). Ward's writing was characterized by its detailed character development, intricate plots, and a clear moral vision.

Despite her popularity in her lifetime, Ward's work fell out of favor in the mid-20th century, partly due to changing literary tastes and criticisms of her political and social views. However, recent scholarship has begun to reassess her contribution to English literature, recognizing her as a complex figure who navigated the tensions between tradition and modernity in her life and work.

Legacy

Mary Augusta Ward's legacy is a complex one. As a novelist, she contributed significantly to the literary landscape of her time, influencing the development of the English novel. As a social reformer, her efforts in education and her nuanced approach to social issues have been recognized as ahead of her time, despite her controversial stance on women's suffrage.

Her work and life continue to be studied for their insights into the social and intellectual history of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, offering a window into the challenges and debates of an era on the cusp of modernity.

Selected Works

• Robert Elsmere (1888)
• The History of David Grieve (1892)
• Marcella (1894)
• Sir George Tressady (1896)
• Helbeck of Bannisdale (1898)

See Also

• British literature
• Women's suffrage in the United Kingdom
• Social reformers of the United Kingdom