“An American Orphan”: Amelia Simmons, Cookbook Authorship, and the Feminist Ethē
Document Type
Article
Publication Title
Peitho: Journal of the Coalition of Feminist Scholars in the History of Rhetoric & Composition
Abstract
This article analyzes the rhetorical moves made by Amelia Simmons, author of American Cookery, the first American cookbook, published in 1796. Simmons identifies herself on the title page as “an American Orphan.” This article discusses that rhetorical move in terms of its historical and rhetorical context. While initially Simmons’ emphasis on her “American orphan” status might seem counterintuitive (or at least irrelevant), a further exploration into her text shows this to be a calculated risk. Simmons is capable of navigating multiple identities (a woman; an uneducated, working-class orphan) simultaneously, and using them to her advantage through her identity statements, morality statements, and her use of sentimental narrative style. From this analysis, I argue that Simmons’ use of ethos in the text demonstrates what might now be interpreted as a modern American feminist ethē emerging in the 18th century.
Publication Date
Fall 2020
Recommended Citation
Fleitz, Elizabeth J., "“An American Orphan”: Amelia Simmons, Cookbook Authorship, and the Feminist Ethē" (2020). Faculty Scholarship. 592.
https://digitalcommons.lindenwood.edu/faculty-research-papers/592