"In the evening Sir William fell into a wrangling discourse wherein he compared, or rather would level me with a liar and a whore, saying, pride was the worse sin than either, and a chaste woman that overvalued herself was in greater fault." (Sexual Experiences, 148)
Writing of the 17th century British authors show a clear distinction between the genders. A double standard of sexuality has been formed and is in constant need of reinforcement. The patriarchy of the 17th century can be viewed as a contributing factor to the double standard. As seen in Eliza Haywood’s Fantomina and Other Works, woman are often overlooked and undervalued. The idea of taking pride in ones self is seen as a fault and is used as a reason to discard an unchaste woman.
In the story of Fantomina, the protagonist of the same name is encouraged to pursue a male counterpart, Beauplaisir who is known for having various partners. Fantomina quickly finds herself unchaste and transforming herself in order to meet the desires of Beauplaisir. The double standards of sexuality are quickly introduced when in the first encounter Fantomina has with her love interest, “He resolv’d not to part from her without the Gratifications of those Desires she had inspir’d” (43). The idea of an unchaste male being unwanted and not fit for marriage, are not a concern of the time. However, a female who is unchaste is immediately considered of lower value to all partners and will be forced to marry an individual in the social hierarchy much lower than she.
In “Sexual Experiences” the idea of a woman who is chaste but filled with pride is seen as a major fault. However, males such Beauplaisir are allowed to be filled with pride and it is often seen as masculine. Fantomina’s varied characters and costume throughout the novel can certainly be viewed as a form of self pride and perhaps even mockery of the pride Beauplaisir exhibits. Fantomina’s costumes show that she is able to outwit Beauplaisir and she is able to sustain his interest longer than she would have otherwise. This exhibit of self pride in a female is one of the many reasons in the end that Beauplaisir find himself walking away from his varied and adventurous relationships with Fantomina.
The double standard of the 17th century can be cleared viewed and supported in texts such as Fantomina and Other Works and “Sexual Experiences”. Women are often overlooked and undervalued and the idea of taking pride in ones self is seen as a fault and is used as a reason to discard an unchaste woman, which is ultimately what we see happen to Fantomina.
