George Sand, born Amantine-Lucile Aurore Dupin, adopted her pen name in the early 19th century for several reasons. Firstly, during this period, the literary world was predominantly male-dominated, and women writers often faced significant prejudice. By using a pseudonym, Sand aimed to navigate the societal constraints placed on women and assert her independence as a writer.
Moreover, George Sand chose a masculine-sounding name to gain credibility and recognition in literary circles. Many of her works tackled themes of gender roles and women’s rights, and adopting a male persona allowed her to express her thoughts more freely without the bias that came from being a woman in her time.
Additionally, the name ‘George’ also represented a kind of rebellion against the norms of femininity that were enforced during the 19th century. It allowed her to create a specific identity that resonated with her beliefs and the bold characters she often portrayed in her novels.
In conclusion, George Sand’s use of a pseudonym was a strategic choice that facilitated her literary career, challenged societal expectations of women, and gave her the freedom to write authentically about her views and experiences.