Sixteenth-century angstfic

[a_t_rain]

"The Miseries of Mavillia, set in 'the troublesome time of a king unnamed, in a countrie too well knowne,' is divided into five chapters, or 'miseries,' in which Mavillia describes her life from early childhood until her death. Having been orphaned by war, Mavillia experiences a series of adventures which include being cared for by a laundress who accompanies the invading army ... being sent with 'two or three gallant gentlemen' and a young page to her uncle's house 'in the countrey' and being besieged on this journey by highwaymen who murder all the travelers except Mavillia and her page. Very shortly after their rescue, the page dies. Mavillia's money is stolen by the couple who treat her as a servant, and she is eventually wronged by being accused of having stolen their money. Her innocence is at length revealed; she is restored to her socioeconomic position; and two suitors vie for her hand in marriage. Mavillia chooses the younger of the two men (their most distinguishing feature being their age), whereupon the older suitor revenges himself by biting off Mavillia's nose. Her husband remains true to her despite her disfigurement, and she spends 'a wearie life' with him. Years later, her husband slays the old suitor, but not before he is mortally wounded. Mavillia ends the tale by essentially narrating not only her husband's death but her own as well."

I'm weirdly reminded of Anne of Green Gables and her Story Club.

ETA: I also wonder if there might be some sort of syphilis-chic thing going on, what with the random noselessness and all. Did the advent of Angsty Noseless Heroines coincide with the fashion for velvet face-patches?

Comments

[lareinenoire.livejournal.com]

Wow, this is clearly the predecessor for some of the truly dreadful eighteenth-century novels I've heard about, i.e. The Recess. Admit it, though, the crack is why we read this stuff in the first place, isn't it?

[shake-the-stars.livejournal.com]

I lol'd.

I like breathless Gothic lit for much the same reasons, though, so who am I :D

[gehayi.livejournal.com]

Did the advent of Angsty Noseless Heroines coincide with the fashion for velvet face-patches?

I'm weirdly reminded of Bisclavret.

[nineveh-uk.livejournal.com]

Fabulous! I see what you mean about Anne of GG.

[tree_and_leaf]

It clearly should be subtitled "A Series of Unfortunate Events"!