The New Woman; Olive Schreiner's The Story of an African Farm - Dr Hannah Helm

In this lecture, Dr. Hannah Helm from the University of Salford explores the concept of The New Woman in relation to Olive Schreiner’s The Story of an African Farm. Dr. Helm examines how Schreiner’s pioneering novel engages with late 19th-century feminist ideas, particularly the evolving roles of women in society and the challenges they faced in asserting independence. Through an analysis of key characters, Helm illustrates how Schreiner critiques traditional gender norms and envisions new possibilities for female identity and agency. This lecture provides insights into the historical context of The New Woman and the enduring relevance of Schreiner’s work in feminist literature.