The Triumph of Prudence over Passion; or, The History of Miss Mortimer and Miss Fitzgerald

by Elizabeth Sheridan, Aileen Douglas (Editor), Ian Campbell Ross (Editor)

Originally published in 1781, The Triumph of Prudence over Passion; or, The History of Miss Mortimer and Miss Fitzgerald is an unconventional epistolary novel set in Ireland and France in 1779 and 1780, against the background of the patriot political agitation that marked the age of Grattan's parliament. The young women who write the bulk of the novel's letters link the state of Ireland and the condition of its women, powerfully endorsing liberty for both. Their witty and incisive commentary - on political events, male and female relations, education, and national differences - is accompanied by lighter observations on fashion, polite amusements, and affairs of the heart. Yet, while the novel contains several love stories, it departs strikingly from fictional convention by having its heroine refuse to marry her suitor, preferring instead to remain in a single state. The novel, published anonymously, is here attributed for the first time to Ann Elizabeth (Betsy) Sheridan, daughter of the novelist Frances Sheridan and the theatre manager and elocutionist Thomas Sheridan.

200 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1731

Reviews

[Margaret Kirchner · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this more than I thought I would, but it was still slow going since it was written in the 18th century. I liked the epistolary style because it made for short chapters and you got to hear different voices, plus it made me think about author, receiver, intent, etc. for each letter. This book is supposedly very political but I was honestly too caught up in the romance plots to notice - I'm sure we'll talk about it in class. I will say it was much more feminist than I was expecting.

[Jules DiGregorio · Rating 3 out of 5]

For Irish Hybrids. Liked it more than expected which is not saying much but still <3

[Eliza · Rating 5 out of 5]

This basically Pride & Prejudice but then better. I might be biased though, because it's Irish. It is a 1782 epistolary novel, documenting the letter exchange primarily between a Louisa Mortimer and Eliza FitzGerald. As all novels from that time, it deals with love and marriage, but it also deals with other themes very current at the time, such as reason and sensibility, religion, government authority, and since this is Irish: the relation between England and Ireland, and the Old English Irish (the settlers) and the Irish peasantry. It is a very progressive novel in its observations, which I think is strengthened by the fact that the letter framework allows for more audacious remarks since it is a personal exchange! It is very interesting for those people who are interested especially in this period and possibly in Ireland, but it should be enjoyable to anyone enjoying Austen too.