Author
Amelia Opie
1769-1853
Amelia Opie (1769-1853) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
WikipediaSubjects
Books by Amelia Opie
Memorials of the Life of Amelia Opie Selected and Arranged from her Letters, Diaries, and other Manuscripts
"Memorials of the Life of Amelia Opie" by Amelia Opie is a biographical memoir written in the mid-19th century. The work compiles the life and experiences of Amelia Opie, detailing her upbringing, family influences, and significant events that shaped her character and artistic pursuits. Through this memoir, readers gain insight into her personal reflections, relationships, and the social context of her time. The opening of the memoir introduces the reader to Opie's early life, focusing on her birth, parentage, and formative years in Norwich. It emphasizes her close bond with her father, Dr. James Alderson, following the death of her mother when Amelia was a child. As she recounts her childhood experiences, including her early fears and her mother's methods of nurturing her, the foundation for Opie's lifelong values of compassion and benevolence emerges. The narrative sets the stage for exploring her interests in literature and social issues, as well as her eventual prominence as a writer and artist. This opening portion memorably blends personal narrative with broader themes of family, loss, and the shaping of one's character through early experiences.
The Father and Daughter: A Tale, in Prose
"The Father and Daughter: A Tale, in Prose" by Amelia Opie is a novel published in 1801. Agnes Fitzhenry returns to her father's home as a disgraced woman with an illegitimate child, seeking redemption after eloping with a libertine who abandoned her. She finds her father driven mad by the shock of her disappearance. As Agnes devotes herself to nursing him back to health, she must confront her shame while struggling to earn forgiveness from both her father and society.
Adeline Mowbray; or, The Mother and Daughter
"Adeline Mowbray; or, The Mother and Daughter" by Amelia Opie is a novel published in 1804. Inspired by Mary Wollstonecraft's unconventional life, it follows a woman who rejects marriage on philosophical grounds, choosing instead to live with her lover as his equal. Her idealistic beliefs clash violently with social expectations, leading to condemnation, abandonment, and suffering. The novel explores what happens when individual conviction confronts society's rigid norms about women, marriage, and respectability.
A Wife's Duty: A Tale
"A Wife's Duty: A Tale" by Amelia Opie is a novel written in the early 19th century. The story centers around Helen, a young wife navigating the complexities of her relationships, particularly with her husband, Seymour Pendarves, as she deals with societal expectations and personal feelings. The narrative explores themes of love, duty, and the emotional struggles faced by women in a patriarchal society. At the start of the book, we see Helen reflect on her recent marriage and the challenges that lie ahead. The opening reveals her conflicting emotions regarding her past love, Ferdinand De Walden, and her current husband, Seymour. Helen’s initial happiness as a newlywed is clouded by her sense of duty toward her family’s expectations and her husband’s social inclinations. As they settle into their new life, Helen grapples with the emerging dynamics within her marriage, the influence of Seymour’s friends, and her desire to maintain her own identity amidst the romantic and societal pressures that threaten to undermine her peace and happiness.
A Woman's Love
"A Woman's Love" by Amelia Opie is a novel written in the early 19th century. The narrative intricately explores the themes of affection, duty, and the complexities of love through the lives of its characters, particularly focusing on the titular woman, Helen Pendarves. The opening sets the stage for a story entwined with personal sacrifice, family dynamics, and the emotional struggles of the characters as they navigate love and loss. The beginning of "A Woman's Love" reveals the protagonist’s internal reflections on her life and the trials she has faced, particularly in fulfilling her role as a devoted wife. As Helen recounts her family's history and her own experiences, we learn of the relationships that have shaped her, including a significant bond with her cousin Seymour Pendarves. The narrative introduces us to the emotional turmoil faced by Helen as she grapples with her affections and the weight of societal expectations, setting a foundation for the unfolding drama of romance, morality, and the heart's desires.