logo

42 pages 1 hour read

Maria Edgeworth

Belinda

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1801

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Before You Read

Roundup icon

Super Short Summary

In Belinda by Maria Edgeworth, young Belinda Portman, encouraged by her aunt, goes to live with Lord and Lady Delacour to find a suitable husband. She quickly uncovers the Delacours' frailties, befriends Lady Delacour, and helps mend her dysfunctional family. Belinda's romantic journey involves misunderstandings with Clarence Hervey and encounters with other suitors, ultimately choosing a genuine love. Sensitive topics include substance abuse, dueling injuries, and fostering relationships under complicated circumstances.

Reviews & Readership

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

Belinda by Maria Edgeworth is praised for its strong female protagonist and intricate plot, exploring themes of social class, race, and gender. However, some readers find its moralizing tone and length to be drawbacks. The novel's rich character development and social critique garner positive attention despite occasional criticisms of pacing. MLA

Who should read this

Who Should Read Belinda?

A reader who enjoys Belinda by Maria Edgeworth is likely fascinated by early 19th-century social commentary, female agency, and romance. Similar to readers of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice or Charlotte Brontë's Jane Eyre, they appreciate nuanced character development and the exploration of societal norms.

Book Details
Pages

544

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

London, England • 1800s

Publication Year

1801

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Continue your reading experience

Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.