Philosophers hold the soul to be of no sex

— Kenrick, William (1729/30-1779)


Place of Publication
London
Publisher
Printed for T. Evans [etc.]
Date
1773
Metaphor
Philosophers hold the soul to be of no sex
Metaphor in Context
G. MAM.
Indeed, Madam, there seems to be a great alteration, both in your person and sentiments. But as I admire the one, I presume the other will make no alteration in the nature of our connexion.

EM.
A groundless hope, Governor. To be plain with you, I find that women educated in England, not only bestow their persons in marriage; but that they have minds also, which are interested in the event of that union; souls, Governor; of which you Asiatic tyrants will hardly allow us women to boast the possession.

G. MAM.
Why really, Miss Emmeline, you seem to be possessed of a soul , indeed, if one may judge by this specimen of your spirit. But as the philosophers hold the soul to be of no sex, we Asiatics, as you call us, wisely think the best part of a woman is her person.

EM.
And you would be mean enough to accept the hand of a woman, who had disposed of her heart to another.

G. MAM.
Why look ye, madam, if a woman takes upon her to dispose of what is not her property, but has been made over to another, I don't see why the first owner may not, without the imputation of meanness, reclaim it. But is that really the case, Miss Emmeline?
Categories
Provenance
Searching in HDIS (Drama)
Date of Entry
11/15/2004

The Mind is a Metaphor is authored by Brad Pasanek, Assistant Professor of English, University of Virginia.