Translation of Modern European Works

In the second half of the eighteenth century, women played a central role in British culture, particularly through their contributions to the novel form, which became increasingly popular among female readers. This period, known as the “Age of Sensibility,” saw an emphasis on the emotions in philosophy, medicine, religion, and literature. Women embodied this emotional and moral focus, gaining authority in the domestic and sentimental spheres. Critics such as Nancy Armstrong argue that eighteenth-century women’s novels anticipated the lifestyles they portrayed, with female identity becoming essential to the so-called domestic sphere embraced by the middle classes by the end of the century. This new ideology emphasized moral and intellectual qualities over appearance, in contrast to aristocratic traditions of displaying power and rank, and thus symbolized a new form of power that enabled female achievement more broadly and carried over into women’s translation work during the period. At this time in history, women translators played a vital role in promoting intercultural literary interaction and had a significant impact on both English and European literature. Despite facing constraints, they translated a wide range of genres, including plays, epic poetry, memoirs, historical texts, and educational works. Their contributions significantly enriched the literary landscape of their era.