Sophia Lee facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Sophia Lee
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Sophia Lee, 1797 engraving
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| Born | 1750 |
| Died | 13 March 1824 |
| Occupation | playwright, librettist |
Sophia Lee (born 1750, died 13 March 1824) was an English writer and teacher. She wrote novels and plays. Sophia Lee was also important in creating a style of writing called Gothic fiction. This type of story often includes mystery, horror, and sometimes supernatural elements.
Contents
Sophia Lee's Life and Creative Works
Sophia Lee was born in London. Her father, John Lee, was an actor and managed theaters. He passed away in 1781.
Her first play was called The Chapter of Accidents. It was a three-act drama, meaning it had three main parts. This play was shown for the first time on 5 August 1780. It was a big success right away.
After her father died, Sophia used the money from her successful play to open a school. She started this school in Bath. There, she made a home for her sisters, Anne and Harriet.
Her Famous Novels
Sophia Lee wrote a historical novel called The Recess, or a Tale of other Times. It was published between 1783 and 1785. This story is set in the time of Queen Elizabeth I. It is about two made-up daughters of Mary, Queen of Scots.
The Recess is seen as an important early example of Gothic fiction. It had themes that other Gothic writers later used. The book was very popular. It even inspired a play in Italy called Il paggio di Leicester. This play then became an opera by Gioachino Rossini in 1812. The opera was named Elisabetta, regina d'Inghilterra (Elizabeth, Queen of England).
Sophia also wrote a long play called Almeyda, Queen of Granada in 1796. It was a sad story written in a style called blank verse. This play was performed in London but only for a few nights.
Working with Her Sister
Sophia also worked with her sister, Harriet Lee. They wrote a collection of stories together called Canterbury Tales. Sophia contributed two stories to this collection. These stories were published between 1797 and 1805.
Other books Sophia wrote include The Life of a Lover (1804) and Ormond; or the Debauchee (1810). Sophia Lee passed away at her home near Clifton, Bristol on 13 March 1824.
Sophia Lee's Works
Here are some of the plays and novels Sophia Lee wrote:
Plays
- The Chapter of Accidents (1780)
- Almeyda, Queen of Granada (1796)
- The Assignation (1807)
Novels
- The Recess (1783–1785); part2, part 3
- The Two Emilys (1798), for Canterbury Tales.
- The Life of a Lover (1804)
- Ormond; or the Debauchee (1810)
