A protagonist in the shadows of Rousseau’s thought

Abstract

This article discusses the possible impact of the disguised protagonism of certain female figures in Rousseau's thought. Taking as a starting point the relationship between natural equality and social inequality, the aim is to problematize the transformation of the woman—capable of confronting the adverse circumstances of the state of nature, protecting herself and her offspring, and thus a strong, intelligent, and perceptive person—into an individual without initiative or strength, subordinated to a patriarchal society. Based on this scenario, the paper seeks to investigate, in Rousseau's texts, the actions of women who, without challenging social customs, become protagonists for their communities. These women reached a wide audience and deeply moved their readers. This situation finally leads us to question the relationship between the profound emotion they aroused and the ideas that contributed to the social transformations that led to the revolution.