Satirizing Society: THe Dangers of Dressing the Part

Stephen F Austin State University, Baker Pattillo Student Center, Twilight and Grand Ballrooms

The eighteenth century in England conjures up stately images of high society, gay balls, frequent entertainment, and a heavy emphasis upon social conduct and propriety. In reality, however, the people of that time lived much varied degrees of this lifestyle,dependant greatly upon the social standing into which they were born. Not surprisingly, those writing in the eighteenth century often dealt with issues regarding the social classes. One such writer was the eighteenth century female novelist, Frances Burney. As a woman writing in a time strongly characterized by its patriarchal nature, Burney also offers a uniquely feminine critique of her life and times. Burney utilizes the device of satire to create absurd moments that highlight societal short-comings or failures across class and genderstructures in an attempt to analyze society. In doing so she also examines her own position in that society, which she represents in the title character of her first novel Evelina.