Six Modern Women

In "Six Modern Women," author Laura Hannson reviews the lives and works of six remarkable women, each of whom were influential in the women's rights movement of the late 17th century. Through this work, Hansson tried to make the point that, even in the most accomplished of women, feminine nature prevails. Some of the women reviewed are: Sonia Kovalesky: A famous mathematician and scientist who was born in Moscow in 1850, Kovalesky displayed an aptitude for mathematics while still a young girl. Kovalesky succeeded and became famous in her work in spite of her father, who tried to discourage her from formal education. George Egerton: A famous author whose birth name was Mary Chavelita Dunne Bright, George Egerton was a writer of short stories, novels, plays and translations. Egerton, who was much better known by her pen name than her real name, was noted for her psychological probing, innovative narrative techniques, and outspokenness about women's need for freedom. Marie Bashkirtseff: A Ukrainian artist and author, Bashkirtseff is remembered today for her diary, paintings, and sculpting. Recognized early for her exceptional musical talent, Marie lost her chance at becoming a professional singer when illness destroyed her voice. After deciding to become an artist instead, she studied painting in Paris where she lived and worked until her death from tuberculosis at the young age of 25. During her short lifetime, Bashkirtseff produced a remarkable, though fairly conventional, body of work. As a writer, one of Marie's most quoted sayings was and still is: "Let us love dogs, let us love only dogs! Men and cats are unworthy creatures."