Elizabeth Aston
Elizabeth Aston
A 17th-Century Writer and Playwright
Full Name and Common Aliases
Elizabeth Aston is often referred to by her married name, Elizabeth Cary.
Birth and Death Dates
Born in 1581, Elizabeth Aston passed away on December 27, 1639.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Elizabeth Aston was an English writer and playwright of the early modern period. Her work spans various genres, including poetry, drama, and translation.
Early Life and Background
Elizabeth Aston was born into a prominent family at her father's estate in Dorset, England. As the eldest child of Sir Thomas Tresham and Mabel Throckmorton, she received a well-rounded education, which was uncommon for women during that era. Her family ties to the English Catholic gentry played a significant role in shaping her worldview.
Major Accomplishments
Elizabeth Aston's literary career was marked by several notable achievements:
- Translation of 'Il Pastor Fido': In 1602, she translated George Gascoigne's _The Faithful Shepherd_, an Italian pastoral romance that became one of the most popular works of the Jacobean era.
- Poetry and Drama: Aston penned numerous poems, including 'The Motto,' and several plays that were performed at court.
Notable Works or Actions
Elizabeth Aston's literary output was significant during a time when women writers faced substantial obstacles. Her translation of _Il Pastor Fido_ and her dramatic works showcased her skill as a writer and her ability to navigate the complexities of language and form.
- Poem 'The Motto': A poem attributed to Elizabeth Aston, 'The Motto,' demonstrates her mastery over various poetic forms and themes.
- Dramatic Works: Although specific titles are not well-documented, her plays were performed at court, a testament to her talent as a playwright.
Impact and Legacy
Elizabeth Aston's contributions to English literature during the early modern period cannot be overstated. Despite facing significant barriers due to her gender, she produced an impressive body of work that influenced subsequent generations of writers.
- Pioneering Female Writer: Her success paved the way for other women in the literary world.
- Influence on Women's Writing: Elizabeth Aston's writing often explored themes related to women's roles and experiences during a time when their voices were largely absent from literature.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Elizabeth Aston is remembered as a pioneering female writer who broke through societal barriers to produce significant works of literature. Her legacy extends beyond her individual accomplishments, influencing the course of women's writing in England for centuries to come.
Quotes by Elizabeth Aston
There are people who may be trusted, men as well as women. There are are as many difference in their natures as there are flowers in these meadows.
Some young ladies meet a man and from there it is all plain sailing, but this is not the usual way it happens.
Authors go on writing books, and so we go on reading them. It is a sad state of affairs.
You would not think that birds who have no brain at all could become so friendly. I swear some of them are more intelligent than many humans, but that says more about our fellow beings than it does about the birds.
People make one happy, not houses? I do not think so. Houses are more to be trusted than people.
How close the sexes sometimes come to one another. It is as much a matter of behaviour and the spere in which they move that separates the masculine part of humanity from the feminine.
There was no escaping by means of any journey, however adventurous, one took one’s problems and sorrows with one.
It is a sadness of growing older that some of us lose our ardent appreciation of what is new and different and difficult.