First published in 1832, Shakespeare’s Heroines is a unique hybrid of Shakespeare criticism, women’s rights activism, and conduct literature. Jameson’s collection of readings of female characters includes praise for unexpected role models as varied as Portia, Cleopatra, and Lady Macbeth; her interpretations of these and other characters portray intellect, passion, political ambition, and eroticism as acceptable aspects of women’s behaviour. This inventive work of literary criticism addresses the problems of women’s education and participation in public life while also providing insightful, original, and entertaining readings of Shakespeare’s women. This Broadview Edition includes a critical introduction that places Shakespeare’s Heroines in the context of Jameson’s literary career and political life. Appendices include personal correspondence and other literary and political writings by Jameson, examples of eighteenth- and nineteenth-century Shakespeare criticism, and selections from Victorian conduct books.

Characteristics of Women by Mrs. Jameson is about various significant female leaders who represent the different virtues of intellect, passion, affection, and political affinity. Excerpt: "CHARACTERS OF INTELLECT. Portia53 Isabella83 Beatrice99 Rosalind110 CHARACTERS OF PASSION AND IMAGINATION. Juliet119 Helena153 Perdita172 Viola181 Ophelia187 Miranda207 CHARACTERS OF THE AFFECTIONS. Hermione219 Desdemona240 Imogen259 Cordelia280 HISTORICAL CHARACTERS. Cleopatra302 Octavia341 Volumnia345 Constance of Bretagne357 Elinor of Guienne387 Blanche of Castile389 Margaret of Anjou396 Katharine of Arragon407 Lady Macbeth437."