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Alice French
Alice French was born in 1850 to a well off family and educated at Abbot Academy. During her lifetime she was one of the most popular American women writers, publishing at least 50 stories and ten books. She was known mainly for her stories and essays in the genre of “American local colour” which showcased American life specific to a particular region, usually one outside of the norm. French was known for writing about women in a way that was uncommon for the time, even outside of gender roles.
French was a character full of contradictions. On one hand, she herself lived outside of societal norms, just like her stories.
She never married. Instead she spent her entire life in a partnership with a woman named Jane Allen Crawford. The two lived together in a home which they called “Thanford“ from a combination of their names. They are buried alongside one another in Iowa. There is no way to know for sure whether the two were friends or more, but historians have hypothesized that they were partners based on letters shared between the two. One of French's stories even featured a kiss between two women which was scandalous for the time.
French also claimed that her pen name, Octave, was chosen because it was gender neutral. Authors have chosen gender neautral names for a variety of reasons, whether that be to align with queer identities or to make more money in a male dominated field. Even today, women authors use male pen names, citing the fact that it could afford them more success, including JK Rowling and Nora Roberts.
On the other hand, French held conservative views and advocated against women's suffrage. Unfortunately, as she grew older she lost her popularity, relying on writing popular stereotypes of minorities and poor people. She remained staunchly convinced women should have no place in politics and even led anti-feminist rallies.
During the late 18th and early 19th century there was a tension between breaking gender norms like Alice French and maintaining and perfecting the values of being a good housewife. Our next author reflects the latter.
Preserving the pastEducating for the future
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Preserving the past
Educating for the future
Connecting with our community
Andover Center for History & Culture
97 Main Street
Andover, MA 01810
978-475-2236
Andover Center for History & Culture
97 Main Street
Andover, MA 01810
978-475-2236
The History Center is funded by individual, foundation, and corporate donations and receives no Town of Andover funding.
Show your commitment to Andover's history by donating today.
The History Center is funded by individual, foundation, and corporate donations and receives no Town of Andover funding.
Show your commitment to Andover's history by donating today.
Show your commitment to Andover's history by donating today.
