42 pages • 1 hour read
Maria EdgeworthBelinda
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1801A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
In Belinda by Maria Edgeworth, young Belinda Portman, encouraged by her aunt, goes to live with Lord and Lady Delacour to find a suitable husband. She quickly uncovers the Delacours' frailties, befriends Lady Delacour, and helps mend her dysfunctional family. Belinda's romantic journey involves misunderstandings with Clarence Hervey and encounters with other suitors, ultimately choosing a genuine love. Sensitive topics include substance abuse, dueling injuries, and fostering relationships under complicated circumstances.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Belinda by Maria Edgeworth is praised for its strong female protagonist and intricate plot, exploring themes of social class, race, and gender. However, some readers find its moralizing tone and length to be drawbacks. The novel's rich character development and social critique garner positive attention despite occasional criticisms of pacing. MLA
Who Should Read Belinda?
A reader who enjoys Belinda by Maria Edgeworth is likely fascinated by early 19th-century social commentary, female agency, and romance. Similar to readers of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice or Charlotte Brontë's Jane Eyre, they appreciate nuanced character development and the exploration of societal norms.