Introduction to Part III

Abstract

In the transformation of the orphan figure in eighteenth-century novels, the third phase is dominated by dispossessed orphans displaced from their family. The three types of orphan show some basic differences. In the first half of the century, foundlings cannot rediscover legitimate parentage, yet they are recuperated into society. In contrast, the legitimate origins and social status of orphaned heiresses are never doubted. Dispossessed orphans form an in-between group. They are often presumed to be illegitimate by society at large, though their close acquaintances may be convinced of their legitimacy. What matters, however, is that they cannot claim legitimate status due to some past mishap caused by the parental generation. While foundlings and heiresses are active agents in society, dispossessed orphans are unable or unwilling to question society or their family to find out about their origins. The dubious status of these female orphans and the large number of novels devoted to them deserve some attention.