The Poetry of Lady Mary Wortley Montagu

The life of Lady Mary Wortley Montagu unfolds through her self-education and literary prowess, challenging societal norms of her time. Orphaned young, she defied her father's wishes to elope, only to face tragedy with her brother's death from smallpox and her own battle with the disease. Her survival sparked her advocacy for inoculation, which she promoted despite resistance. Her travels, particularly to Istanbul, inspired her acclaimed Letters from Turkey, showcasing her unique perspective as a woman. Ultimately, her life was marked by love, loss, and an enduring quest for intellectual freedom.