Frances Burney
Frances Burney: A Life of Literature and Wit
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Full Name and Common Aliases
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Frances Burney was born as Phoebe Ann Burney on June 13, 1752, in King's Lynn, Norfolk, England. She is often referred to by her pen name or married surname, Frances d'Arblay.
Birth and Death Dates
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June 13, 1752 – April 6, 1840
Frances Burney's life spanned over four decades of significant change in British society and culture.
Nationality and Profession(s)
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English novelist, playwright, diarist, and biographer. Her works are considered some of the most important contributions to the English novel during the late 18th century.
Early Life and Background
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Growing up in a family of modest means but strong intellectual pursuits, Frances Burney developed an early passion for reading and writing. She was largely self-educated due to her family's limited financial resources. However, her father encouraged her love of literature by providing access to books and supporting her creative endeavors.
Burney's life took a dramatic turn when she began working as a lady's maid in the household of General Charles Conway. This experience would later serve as inspiration for one of her most famous novels.
Major Accomplishments
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- Novelist: Burney published several novels during her lifetime, including _Evelina_ (1778), _Cecilia_ (1782), and _Camilla_ (1796). These works are celebrated for their insightful portrayals of society's upper echelons.
- Playwright: Burney wrote a few plays that were performed at the Theatre Royal in London, though they received mixed reviews.
- Diary Keeper: Her diary is renowned for its candid and humorous accounts of life in 18th-century England. It provides an invaluable resource for historians studying this period.
Notable Works or Actions
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Her masterpiece, _Evelina_, was a groundbreaking novel that brought the author immediate success and recognition. The book's popularity can be attributed to its witty dialogue, satirical commentary on high society, and strong female protagonist who navigates complex social situations with intelligence and wit.
Burney also maintained an extensive diary throughout her life, documenting everything from personal events to significant historical occurrences. Her diaries have been widely published and offer a unique perspective into 18th-century England's culture and societal norms.
Impact and Legacy
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Frances Burney is remembered for her contributions to the English novel, particularly in the development of the epistolary form and her satirical portrayal of high society. Her works continue to be studied for their insights into the lives of women during this period.
Her legacy extends beyond literature; she also serves as a testament to the power of education and perseverance. Despite facing numerous challenges throughout her life, Burney continued to produce original work until late in her years.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
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Frances Burney is widely quoted for her wit, insight into 18th-century society, and her unapologetic portrayal of the lives of women during this period. Her works continue to captivate readers with their sharp commentary on social norms and strong female characters who navigate complex situations with intelligence and humor.
Her legacy not only lies in her literary contributions but also in the enduring appeal of her works as a reflection of the societal changes that took place during her lifetime.
Quotes by Frances Burney
We continually say things to support an opinion, which we have given, that in reality we don't above half mean.
Insensibility, of all kinds, and on all occasions, most moves my imperial displeasure.
The mind is but too naturally prone to pleasure, but too easily yielded to dissipation.
There is something in age that ever, even in its own despite, must be venerable, must create respect and to have it ill treated, is to me worse, more cruel and wicked than anything on earth.
I cannot be much pleased without an appearance of truth; at least of possibility I wish the history to be natural though the sentiments are refined; and the characters to be probable, though their behaviour is excelling.
For my part, I confess I seldom listen to the players: one has so much to do, in looking about and finding out one's acquaintance, that, really, one has no time to mind the stage. One merely comes to meet one's friends, and show that one's alive.
But if the young are never tired of erring in conduct, neither are the older in erring of judgment.
