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Charlotte Mary Yonge (1823-1901) was an English novelist who achieved fame through her substantial literary work that often illustrated her devout Anglican faith and values. Born in Otterbourne, Hampshire, Yonge was educated at home and took inspiration from the Oxford Movement, which left a lasting impression on her writings. She used her literary skills to support this church revival movement, which aimed to restore traditional practices in the Church of England. Her prolific output, which included over 100 works, ranged from historical fiction and didactic family chronicles to books for children and educational texts.
Yonge's narrative style is characterized by its didacticism and detailed depictions of domestic life, reflective of Victorian society's values and expectations of women. One of her notable works, 'Two Penniless Princesses' (1891), exemplifies her talent for historical storytelling. This novel, set in the 15th century, follows the adventures of two Scottish princesses and weaves a narrative that delves into themes of duty, sacrifice, and loyalty. Yonge's novels are often considered as instrument to reinforce the social ideals of her time, and 'Two Penniless Princesses' serves as an apt illustration of her ability to engage readers with moral lessons through historical fiction. Her contributions to Victorian literature continue to be acknowledged by scholars who study the depiction of women and social norms in 19th-century English literature. |
