Political Plotters or Puppets?
Political Plotters or Puppets?

The Role of Women at the Court of Queen Anne

Author(s): Katarzyna Strzyżowska
Subject(s): Theoretical Linguistics, Applied Linguistics, Studies of Literature, Philology, History of Art, British Literature
Published by: Wydawnictwa Uniwersytetu Warszawskiego
Keywords: Queen Anne; Lady Marlborough; Lady Masham; court life; favourites; politicians; libels
Summary/Abstract: Indisputably, 18th century English society was male-dominated and male-oriented. The fundamental justification for the subjection of women was found in the Bible, and allowing women to make individual decisions or hold public offices was considered irrational. However, the situation had to be re-examined when Queen Anne came to the throne and often sought other women’s advice on issues which were to change the fate of the country. Examining a number of texts by contemporary men of letters who commented extensively on current political questions, helps to formulate conclusions on whether the women closest to the throne were personally and consciously interested in shaping the political arena, or were simply manipulated by politicians who chose to exploit their female naivety and folly.

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