Cognition and Girlhood in Shakespeare's World: Rethinking Female Adolescence

This groundbreaking study of girlhood and cognition argues that early moderns depicted female puberty as a transformative event that activated girls' brains in dynamic ways, challenging the presumption that they viewed all female cognition as passive or pathological.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 306 pages
Publication date: 07 June 2023
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

This groundbreaking study of girlhood and cognition delves into the transformative impact of female puberty on girls' brains during the early modern period. Through a comprehensive analysis of various genres, including Shakespearean plays, medical texts, and autobiographical writings, Caroline Bicks demonstrates how the transition from fourteen to sixteen years was perceived as a catalyst for girls' intellectual growth. She challenges the notion that early moderns viewed all female cognition as passive or pathological, instead highlighting how girls' changing adolescent brains became focal points for significant debates about the body and soul, faith and salvation, science and nature, and the role of human perception in the midst of these profound transformations.

In her exploration, Bicks uncovers how the change of fourteen years bestowed upon girls a remarkable ability to invent, judge, and remember, surpassing the capabilities of their male counterparts. She reveals how this newfound cognitive prowess shaped their interactions with the world and fueled important discussions about the nature of the mind, the soul, and the relationship between science and religion. Through her meticulous research, Bicks sheds light on the complex interplay between girls' physical and intellectual development and their position within the broader social and cultural context of the early modern era.

This study not only contributes to our understanding of girlhood and cognition during this period but also has broader implications for our understanding of gender roles and the development of intellectual abilities. By challenging traditional narratives and revealing the dynamic nature of girls' minds, Bicks provides a fresh perspective on the complexities of early modern society and offers valuable insights into the ongoing debates about the nature of human cognition and agency.

Weight: 460g
Dimension: 152 x 229 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781108928717