Language, Literature, and Culture

Renée mauperin as "vierge moderne": Documenting adolescence

Document Type

Article

Abstract

The position of youth in French society changed dramatically during the nineteenth century. A societal debate on the ideal age for marriage and the ensuing delay of nuptials led to young people's prolonged economic dependence on their parents well after biological maturity. Before the marriage controversy, girls married as early as sixteen years of age. After it, they enjoyed approximately four additional years of youth unhampered by concerns for husband and children. This freshly created category of young people who were physically and often mentally ready to participate in society, but prevented by medical concerns from entering into the inevitable social roles of spouse and parent, helped shape a new understanding of adolescence.

Publication Title

Romance Quarterly

Publication Date

2006

Volume

53

Issue

1

First Page

43

Last Page

48

ISSN

0883-1157

DOI

10.3200/RQTR.53.1.43-48

Keywords

adolescence, female adolescence, Renée Mauperin, nineteenth century literature, French literature

Link to Full Text

Share

COinS