Subversive Politics in Rousseau's La Nouvelle Héloïse: Gender, Sex and the Marginalized "Feminist" Voice in Claire's Missives

Although Julie ou la Nouvelle Héloïse is renown for its popular love story, there are other fascinating relationships such as Julie and Claire's intense friendship. By studying some of Claire's most illuminating missives, this article will show that Rousseau portrays her as an outspoken woman, one who espouses some subversive views on marriage, friendship and family. The second part of the essay will consider her affinity for Julie, which reveals another form of resistance to the patriarchal order of society.