(DRAFT)
Frances Power Cobbe was an Irish feminist writer during the late 1800’s, writing for newspapers in addition to becoming a published author. Her writing focuses on defying traditional female roles and expectations, while pushing for expansion and elevation of women’s rights. Frances Power Cobbe wrote about bettering conditions for delinquent girls, the right to divorce from an abusive husband, autonomy within marriage, women’s right to vote, and women’s right to education. Furthermore, Cobbe defied the traditional roles of women during this time period by rejecting the role of women as wives to men, instead she independently pursued her education and career. She continued to defy societal expectations and norms, by never marrying a man, instead living with her partner Mary Lloyd. Cobbe's pieces on domestic abuse and women maintaining rights in marriage resulted in the Parliament passing a bill making divorce legal! 
 

Though Cobbe is known for her contributions to feminist rhetorical history and various legislative efforts, it is important to note Cobbe’s identity as a white, cis-gendered, upper-middle class, educated woman. Her identity as a lesbian woman created struggles for her personally and politically, but she was also awarded great privilege. It is with that knowledge that we include Frances Power Cobbe in this digital anthology. We encourage readers to consider how Cobbe’s personal privileges might intersect when reading her lectures or legislation. How does her whiteness inform her audience and appeals and the things she places value on in her work? Does her class and education make her work inaccessible to women of color or women of lower socioeconomic statuses? We will reflect on this through our own analysis of Cobbe’s references to marriage rights and religion.