| Abstrakt: |
This article examines a letter written to the Female Spectator, the first English-language periodical edited by a woman, which tells the story of Aliena, a woman who disguised herself as a man to join her lover's ship. However, she was discovered before boarding and faced public scrutiny and contempt. The author argues that this story reflects Eliza Haywood's exploration of gender performance and fluidity, as well as her thoughts on gender transition and the role of women in society. The article also highlights Haywood's significance as a prolific and influential writer in the 18th century. It discusses the portrayal of gender and sexuality in Haywood's work, particularly in her story "Aliena, or the Female Spectator," and emphasizes the importance of recognizing and respecting diverse perspectives, including queer and trans possibilities, in historical texts. [Extracted from the article] |
