摘要：This paper studies English literature written by women during the 17th century and
focuses particularly on the foundations of female autobiography. Several reasons for
the emergence of autobiographical genre are analyzed and part of the creative legacy
of six women writers is taken into account. On the first part, the female authors
included, belonging to the 17th century, are Margaret Cavendish, Ann Lady Fanshawe,
Ann Lady Halkett, Mary Countess of Warwick, Lucy Hutchinson and Mary Penington.
Finally, a contribution within the 18th century. is considered: Mary Wollstonecraft’s
demand and, particularly, her quest for female education and teaching.
关键词：17th C. English Literature, Women Writers, Female Autobiography,
Cavendish, Fanshawe, Halkett, Countess of Warwick, Hutchinson, Penington,
Wollstonecraft.
