Mary Augusta Ward
Mary Augusta Ward
A Life of Passion, Purpose, and Enduring Legacy
Full Name and Common Aliases
Mary Augusta Ward was born on June 11, 1851, in London, England, to Thomas Arnold Hare and Henrietta Harriet Maria Wale. Her father's family connections and her own intelligence and determination would shape her life and contribute significantly to her enduring legacy.
Birth and Death Dates
June 11, 1851 – August 27, 1920
Nationality and Profession(s)
British novelist, women's rights activist, and social reformer. Ward's prolific writing career spanned multiple genres, including novels, essays, and articles, earning her a reputation as one of the leading writers of her time.
Early Life and Background
Mary Augusta Ward was born into a family deeply rooted in English society and intellectual pursuits. Her father, Thomas Arnold Hare, was a prominent lawyer and politician who instilled in his children a love for learning and social responsibility. Her mother, Henrietta Harriet Maria Wale, contributed to her daughter's early development with her own strong personality and influence.
Ward's family relocated several times during her childhood, eventually settling in Oxfordshire. This upbringing provided her with access to the country's most esteemed educational institutions, which she would later leverage for her writing and social activism. Ward's early experiences shaped her perspectives on class and privilege, themes that would resonate throughout her work.
Major Accomplishments
Mary Augusta Ward's life is defined by several notable achievements:
Literary Contributions: Her novels, essays, and articles not only captivated readers but also sparked meaningful discussions about the social issues of her time.
Women's Rights Activism: Ward was a vocal advocate for women's suffrage and education. She recognized the importance of equal opportunities and actively worked towards making them a reality.
Founding of the Women's National Anti-Suffrage League: In 1908, she co-founded this organization with her sister-in-law to promote peace during World War I.Notable Works or Actions
Some of Mary Augusta Ward's most notable works include:
Robert Elsmere (1888) - A novel exploring the struggles of faith and doubt in Victorian England.
Marriage: A series of novels examining the complexities of relationships, class, and identity.Impact and Legacy
Mary Augusta Ward's impact on society extends far beyond her literary achievements. Her commitment to social reform has left a lasting legacy:
Advancements in Women's Rights: Her work played a significant role in the fight for women's suffrage and education.
Influence on Literature: Her novels continue to be celebrated for their insightful portrayals of Victorian society.
Peace Activism: Her efforts during World War I promote peace and understanding.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Mary Augusta Ward is widely quoted and remembered due to her unwavering dedication to social reform, her literary contributions, and the lasting impact she has had on women's rights and education. Her commitment to creating positive change in society continues to inspire readers around the world.
In conclusion, Mary Augusta Ward's life was a testament to the power of passion and purpose. Through her writing, activism, and unwavering dedication to social justice, she left behind an enduring legacy that will continue to inspire future generations.
Quotes by Mary Augusta Ward
In this choice, as I look back over more than half a century, I can only follow – and trust – the same sort of instinct that one follows in the art of fiction.
Customers must be delicately angled for at a safe distance – show yourself too much, and, like trout, they flashed away.
A victim to certain obscure forms of gout, he was in character neither stupid, nor inhuman, but he suffered from the usual drawbacks of his class, – too much money, and too few ideas.
Nothing ought to be told, I think that does not interest or kindle one’s own mind in looking back; it is the only condition on which one can hope to interest or kindle other minds.
Do we all become garrulous and confidential as we approach the gates of old age? Is it that we instinctively feel, and cannot help asserting, our one advantage over the younger generation, which has so many over us? – the one advantage of time!
The only thing which can keep journalism alive – journalism, which is born of the moment, serves the moment, and, as a rule, dies with the moment – is – again the Stevensonian secret! – charm.
City of rest! – as it seems to our modern senses, – how is it possible that so busy, so pitiless and covetous a life as history shows us, should have gone to the making and the fashioning of Venice!
It is the rank and file – the average woman – for whom the world has opened up so astonishingly.