Fashion (eBook)

Anna Cora Mowatt (1819–1870) was a multifaceted American author, actress, playwright, and public reader, who earned acclaim in the 19th century for her literary and stage contributions. Her gift for social satire and keen observation of human behavior is brilliantly showcased in her most famous play, 'Fashion; or, Life in New York' (1845), which is a comedy satirizing the aspirations and idiosyncrasies of that era's upper class. Mowatt, born Anna Cora Ogden in Bordeaux, France, grew up in a prosperous family and was initially known for her work as a poet and novelist before moving on to embellish the stage. Seizing the power of the pen under the pseudonym 'Helen Berkley,' she pursued her literary career with both passion and persistence, venturing into the world of theater, which was, at that time, a bold move for a woman. Her work in playwriting carved out a space for female playwrights in a male-dominated arena, while her performances on stage garnered critical acclaim and contributed to the legitimization of acting as a respectable profession for women. Her literary style eloquently combined witty dialogue with intricate plots, masking social critiques beneath the veil of entertainment ('Fashion'). Mowatt's legacy not only rests on her written works but also on her pioneering role in expanding women's access to the literary and performing arts during a period when such ambitions were often met with resistance.