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Folly As It Flies: A Literary Masterpiece by Fanny Fern

Finn Cox

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In an era marked by rapid social and economic change, one writer emerged as a fearless and incisive voice, skewering the foibles of mid-19th century American society with wit and candor. Fanny Fern's 1856 collection of satirical essays, Folly As It Flies, stands as a literary masterpiece that continues to resonate with readers today.

Folly as it Flies

by Fanny Fern

5 out of 5

Language	:	French
File size	:	4669 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	45 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

The Life and Times of Fanny Fern

Born Sara Payson Willis in 1811, Fanny Fern was a prolific writer, journalist, and lecturer. Her sharp observations and satirical wit resonated with a wide audience, particularly women.

Fern's life was marked by both triumph and tragedy. She achieved great success as a writer, but her personal life was often tumultuous. Her first marriage ended in divorce, and her second husband died unexpectedly, leaving her a widow with two young children.

Despite these challenges, Fern persevered, using her writing as a platform to challenge social norms and advocate for women's rights.

Folly As It Flies: A Literary Analysis

Folly As It Flies is a collection of 54 short essays, each targeting a different aspect of American society. Fern's targets ranged from gossiping housewives and overzealous reformers to pedantic scholars and self-important preachers.

Fern's writing style is characterized by its wit, irony, and use of hyperbole. She employs exaggeration and satire to expose the absurdities and hypocrisies of her time.

One of Fern's most famous essays, "The Whole Duty of Woman," satirizes the Victorian ideal of female domesticity. Fern argues that women are capable of more than just cooking, cleaning, and raising children. They deserve to be educated, to have careers, and to participate fully in society.

The Legacy of Folly As It Flies

Folly As It Flies was an immediate bestseller upon its publication. It was praised by critics for its humor, its social commentary, and its championing of women's rights.

The book has remained in print for over 150 years, and it continues to be read and enjoyed by readers today. Fern's wit and insight offer a timeless commentary on the human condition.

Themes and Relevance Today

The themes that Fern explored in Folly As It Flies are still relevant today. Her critique of gossip, hypocrisy, and narrow-mindedness resonates with readers in the modern era.

Fern's advocacy for women's rights is particularly timely in the context of the #MeToo movement and ongoing discussions about gender equality.

Folly As It Flies is a literary masterpiece that offers a witty and incisive commentary on mid-19th century American society. Fanny Fern's sharp observations, her satirical wit, and her championing of women's rights make this book a must-read for anyone interested in American literature, social history, or simply a good laugh.