“The Cry: A New Dramatic Fable” is a satirical allegory written by Jane Collier and Sarah Fielding in 1754. The work is a dialogue between two characters, Flavia and Lactilla, who discuss the role of women in society and the treatment of animals. The authors use the characters to comment on the social and political issues of their time.
The work is considered a significant contribution to the feminist movement of the 18th century, as it challenges the traditional gender roles and the notion that women are inferior to men. Collier and Fielding use the allegory to criticize the treatment of women and animals in society, as well as the hypocrisy of the upper class. The work was well-received by contemporary audiences and has since become a classic of feminist literature.
Authors’ Backgrounds
Jane Collier and Sarah Fielding were two prominent female writers in the 18th century. Collier was born in the early 1700s and was the daughter of a Church of England minister. She worked as a governess and later became a writer. Her works were often satirical and allegorical, and she was known for her critiques of societal norms.
Fielding, on the other hand, was the sister of the famous novelist Henry Fielding. She was also a writer and is best known for her novel “The Governess,” which was one of the first novels written specifically for children. Fielding’s works often focused on social issues and the education of women.
Together, Collier and Fielding collaborated on “The Cry: A New Dramatic Fable,” which was published in 1754. The work is an allegorical and satirical dramatic dialogue that explores the role of women in society. The novel was never performed, but it was widely read and discussed.
Overview of ‘The Cry’
‘The Cry: A New Dramatic Fable’ is an allegorical and satirical dramatic dialogue written by Jane Collier and Sarah Fielding in 1754. The work is divided into three volumes and five parts, and it stands as one of the most distinctive and intriguing works by women during the florescence of their writing in eighteenth-century England.
The Cry’s plot follows a group of animals who are debating whether or not to hunt down and kill a stag. The animals represent different social classes and political ideologies, and their arguments provide a commentary on gender, education, and the corrupt nature of society.
The Cry is notable for its use of allegory and satire to convey its message. Collier and Fielding use animals to represent human beings, and they use humor and irony to criticize the flaws of society. The work is also significant for its feminist themes, as it challenges traditional gender roles and highlights the importance of education for women.
Main Themes and Motifs
The Cry: A New Dramatic Fable by Jane Collier and Sarah Fielding is an allegorical work that explores several themes and motifs. The authors use their characters to provide commentary on gender, education, and social norms.
One of the main themes of the book is the importance of education. The authors argue that education should be available to everyone, regardless of their social status or gender. They also critique the traditional education system, which they believe is outdated and ineffective.
Another important theme is the role of women in society. The authors use their female characters to challenge traditional gender roles and expectations. They argue that women are just as capable as men and should have the same opportunities.
The book also explores the theme of power and authority. The authors critique those in positions of power who abuse their authority and oppress others. They argue that true leadership should be based on compassion and understanding.
Throughout the book, the authors use several motifs to convey their message. For example, the motif of the “cry” represents the voice of the oppressed. The authors use this motif to highlight the importance of listening to those who are marginalized and to give them a platform to speak.
Allegorical Elements in ‘The Cry’
‘The Cry: A New Dramatic Fable’ is a work of allegory that contains several elements that represent abstract ideas. The main character, Sophia, personifies virtue, while her sister, Harriet, symbolizes vice. The allegorical representation of truth is depicted by Una, who listens to Sophia’s stories and provides her with guidance and wisdom.
The story is divided into five parts, each of which contains a series of dialogues between the characters. The dialogues are intended to represent the struggle between virtue and vice, as Sophia tries to convince Harriet to change her ways and embrace a life of virtue.
The authors use several other allegorical elements in the story, such as the Garden of Pleasure, which represents the temptation of vice, and the Fountain of Truth, which symbolizes the power of knowledge. The story also contains several moral lessons, such as the importance of education and the dangers of vanity and pride.
Character Analysis
The Cry: A New Dramatic Fable by Jane Collier and Sarah Fielding portrays a range of characters that play a significant role in the allegory. The authors use these characters to convey their message and comment on gender and education through self-conscious narratives.
The main characters in the book are Philargyrus, Misargyrus, and The Cry. Philargyrus represents greed and selfishness, while Misargyrus represents envy and jealousy. The Cry, on the other hand, represents the voice of reason and conscience.
Throughout the book, Philargyrus and Misargyrus engage in a dialogue that exposes their negative traits and flaws. They are unable to see the error of their ways and are blinded by their own desires. In contrast, The Cry acts as a moral compass and tries to guide them towards a better path.
The authors use these characters to comment on the flaws of society and the importance of self-reflection and moral responsibility. The Cry serves as a reminder that it is essential to listen to our conscience and act accordingly.
Historical Context and Reception
The Cry: A New Dramatic Fable by Jane Collier and Sarah Fielding was published in 1754 during the rise of the novel as a popular literary form in England. The novel was written during a time when women’s writing was gaining recognition, but still faced criticism and gendered stereotypes.
The Cry was received with mixed reviews, with some critics praising its innovative use of allegory and satire, while others criticized its unconventional structure and narrative style. However, the novel’s impact on feminist literature cannot be denied.
The Cry’s exploration of gender and education through self-conscious narratives paved the way for future female writers to use literature as a means of social commentary. The novel’s enduring relevance is evident in its continued inclusion in academic curricula and its influence on later feminist works.
Influence on Feminist Literature
The Cry: A New Dramatic Fable by Jane Collier and Sarah Fielding is a significant work in feminist literature. It is one of the earliest works of literature that provides commentary on gender and education through self-conscious narratives. The novel explores the themes of gender, power, and identity, and it has influenced feminist literature for centuries.
The Cry is a powerful allegory that critiques the patriarchal society and its treatment of women. It presents women as oppressed and marginalized, and it challenges the traditional gender roles that were prevalent in the eighteenth century. The novel’s portrayal of women as intelligent, independent, and capable of making their own decisions has been a source of inspiration for many female writers.
Comparative Analysis with Other Works
The Cry: A New Dramatic Fable by Jane Collier and Sarah Fielding is a unique work of literature that incorporates allegory to convey its message. In comparison to other works of literature, The Cry stands out as an innovative piece of writing.
Unlike other works that focus on individual characters, The Cry uses allegory to represent different social groups. This approach allows the reader to understand the broader social issues that the authors are trying to address.
In contrast to other works that rely on traditional storytelling techniques, The Cry uses a combination of dialogue and narrative to convey its message. This approach creates a sense of immediacy and urgency that is not present in other works.
Furthermore, The Cry uses humor and irony to criticize social norms and conventions. This approach is different from other works that use a more serious tone to convey their message.
Literary Criticism and Interpretations
Literary critics have praised “The Cry: A New Dramatic Fable” for its use of allegory to comment on social and political issues of the time. The work has been interpreted as a critique of the education system, a commentary on the role of women in society, and a satire of political corruption.
One of the most prominent themes in the work is the importance of education, particularly for women. The characters of Miss Teachum and Miss Jenny represent the two extremes of this debate, with Miss Teachum advocating for a strict and traditional education, while Miss Jenny argues for a more liberal and modern approach. Critics have debated which approach the authors ultimately endorse, with some arguing that the work is a call for greater educational opportunities for women, while others see it as a warning against the dangers of excessive education.
Another key theme in “The Cry” is the corrupt nature of politics and the dangers of ambition. The character of Sir Positive-At-All is often interpreted as a stand-in for corrupt politicians of the time, while the character of Miss Fuz, who is willing to do anything to advance her own career, represents the dangers of unchecked ambition. Critics have noted the relevance of these themes to contemporary politics and the continued relevance of the work today.