Consensual Fictions

In the context of eighteenth- and nineteenth-century England, consensual marriages emerged as a transformative force, emphasizing emotional connections over social status. This shift allowed women greater agency and prompted a re-evaluation of their societal roles. Wendy S. Jones examines how English novels of the time reflect this evolution, utilizing multiperspective narratives to address the cultural implications of liberalism on marriage, love, and gender. The analysis highlights the intersection of literature and political theory, tracing the roots of radical feminism and social change.