Preserving propriety : polyphony in the works of British nineteenth-century female travel writers

Abstract

This thesis explores the works of nineteenth- century female travellers and their negotiation of societal expectations regarding gender and professional conduct. Utilizing the theoretical framework of Bakhtin's polyphony, the research examines how these women created and maintained multiple personas in their writing. Through a close reading of their texts, three distinct personas were identified: one that engages with the discourse of femininity, another with professionalism, and a third with imperialism. The persona that engages with the discourse of femininity highlights the writer-travellers' adherence to traditional expectations of female behaviour, such as maintaining a proper demeanour and avoiding scandal. This persona serves to mitigate the potential criticism and societal backlash that may result from a woman pursuing a profession or traveling independently.

The persona that engages with professionalism showcases the writer-travellers' knowledge and expertise in various fields, such as botany or diplomacy. This persona underscores the women's credibility and competence as professionals in their own right, challenging societal beliefs that women were incapable of pursuing careers outside the home. The persona that engages with imperialism highlights the writer-travellers' participation in the expansion of the British Empire and their role as colonial agents. This persona reflects the intersections of gender, professionalism, and imperialism, demonstrating the writer-travellers' commitment to the imperial cause while also further validating their professional credentials. This thesis concludes that the use of polyphonic personas by the writer-travellers enabled them to reconcile the conflicting expectations of femininity, professionalism, and imperialism. The results of this research contribute to our understanding of how these women navigated a complex social landscape and made their mark as pioneering female travellers in a society that often relegated women.