SOURCE: Introduction to Exilius, or the Banish'd Roman, by Jane Barker, Garland Publishing, 1973, p. 142.

In the following essay, Grieder divides early-eighteenth-century women's writings into two categories: one type salacious and gossipy, the other moralistic and didactic. The critic contends that Exilius, which fits into the latter group, stresses that conforming to societal expectations must supersede one's personal passion.

Female writers of fiction during the early eighteenth century may generally be divided into two groups, according to their conception of the novel's intent and function. On one hand are Mrs. Manley and Mrs. Haywood, whose scandal chronicles were designed to titillate their readers with gossip and eroticism. On the other are ladies who viewed the novel as a vehicle for moral instruction: Elizabeth Singer Rowe, Penelope Aubin, and the authoress of the present volume, Mrs. Jane Barker.

Mrs. Barker makes her intentions concerning Exilius: or, The Banish'd Roman very...