Project Gutenberg 2004-09-16 Public domain in the USA. 677 Twain, Mark 1835 1910 Clemens, Samuel Langhorne Twain, Mark (Samuel Clemens) In Defence of Harriet Shelley In Defense Of Harriet Shelley Produced by David Widger "In Defence of Harriet Shelley" by Mark Twain is a critical essay written in the early 20th century. This work serves as a social commentary and a defense of Harriet Shelley, the first wife of the famed poet Percy Bysshe Shelley. Twain engages in a detailed critique of existing biographical narratives that portray Harriet in a negative light, arguing for a more nuanced understanding of her character and the circumstances surrounding her marriage to Percy Shelley. In the essay, Twain meticulously examines the prevailing biographies and accounts that depict Harriet Shelley as the cause of her husband's infidelity, particularly regarding his relationship with Mary Godwin (later Mary Shelley). Using wit and sarcasm, Twain dismantles the unfounded accusations against Harriet, pointing out the inconsistencies and biases in the interpretations of her life and actions. He posits that Harriet has been unfairly scapegoated for Percy’s moral failings, emphasizing that her essential innocence and suffering should be recognized rather than overshadowed by the romanticized narratives of her husband's poetic genius. Throughout the text, Twain explores themes of gender bias, the complexities of love and fidelity, and the hazards of literary reputations, ultimately advocating for Harriet’s rightful vindication. (This is an automatically generated summary.) Reading ease score: 64.2 (8th & 9th grade). Neither easy nor difficult to read. en Shelley, Percy Bysshe, 1792-1822 Shelley, Harriet Westbrook, -1816 PS Text Category: Essays, Letters & Speeches Category: Gender & Sexuality Studies 130152 2025-08-02T05:50:04.763387 text/html 129700 2021-01-27T10:44:13 text/html 114345 2025-08-02T05:50:09.127356 application/epub+zip 115241 2025-08-02T05:50:06.521377 application/epub+zip 115242 2025-08-02T05:50:05.448379 application/epub+zip 242183 2025-08-02T05:50:11.122359 application/x-mobipocket-ebook 236307 2025-08-02T05:50:08.500390 application/x-mobipocket-ebook 198067 2022-09-02T07:53:02.757473 application/x-mobipocket-ebook 113508 2025-08-02T05:50:04.491401 text/plain; charset=us-ascii 113430 2021-01-08T17:36:34 text/plain; charset=us-ascii 18669 2025-08-02T05:50:11.247344 application/rdf+xml 14568 2025-08-02T05:50:05.961378 image/jpeg 3702 2025-08-02T05:50:05.715369 image/jpeg 43163 2021-01-08T17:36:34 application/octet-stream application/zip 45372 2021-01-27T10:44:13 application/octet-stream application/zip 111412 2025-08-02T05:50:04.774385 application/octet-stream application/zip Archives containing the RDF files for *all* our books can be downloaded at https://book.klll.cc/wiki/Gutenberg:Feeds#The_Complete_Project_Gutenberg_Catalog en.wikipedia