Joanna Baillie

Start Free Trial

Joanna Baillie Criticism

Joanna Baillie (1762–1851) was a Scottish poet, playwright, and essayist whose innovative contributions to drama and literature have recently garnered renewed scholarly attention. Known for her exploration of human passions and moral insight, Baillie's work was initially more celebrated in print than on the stage. Her seminal series A Series of Plays: In Which it is Attempted to Delineate the Stronger Passions of the Mind showcased her ability to delve into the psychological complexities of emotion, a concept she elaborated in her "Introductory Discourse." Distinguished literary figures such as Sir Walter Scott and Lord Byron admired her, as noted by William D. Brewer.

Contents