The Dramatic Monologues of Constance Naden: The Voice of the Misfit

This paper discusses the ways in which Constance Naden, a major female Victorian poet, used the dramatic monologue genre as a tool for female empowerment and for the acquisition a female voice. It explores the major aspects and functions of traditional dramatic monologues and examines the ways in which Naden departed from these traditions: Firstly by redefining the character of the misfit, and secondly by giving the female the role of the active speaker, rendering the male a mere passive silent listener. These aspects are mainly studied in the light of four of Naden's major monologues: "The Astronomer," "The Carmelite Nun,""The Confession," and "The Sister of Mercy.