Foe Lesson Plan

How does Susan defy the “typical” characterization of women in the 18th century?

If your students have encountered 18th-century literature with you, or in previous classes, begin this discussion by having them describe what a typical female character might have looked like in the literature of the time: women were generally portrayed as meek, helpless, irrational people who are unable to take care of themselves effectively in dire straits.

Not so with Susan, however. She approaches the things that happen to her with remarkable practicality, never giving in to a despair that would certainly be warranted, given what has happened to her. However, it is clear that she has...