Description

William Godwin is one of the first exponents of utilitarianism and modern minarchist philosophy. His two most famous works are An Enquiry concerning Political Justice and Things as They Are: The Adventures of Caleb Williams. Godwin worked with Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley, his daughter, at the turn of the 19th century to advocate for social progress. The theme of Demon and Delia is one of ill-fated love. The fathers are more concerned with wealth and reputation than the feelings of their children. An excerpt reads, "In an instant our hero and his companion, escorted by young Fletcher, entered the room. The astonishment of Damon, at being so suddenly introduced to a person, whom he had never expected to see again, was immeasurable. He rushed forward with a kind of rapture; he suddenly recollected himself; but at length advanced with hesitation. There was no one present beside those we have already named. The castle was probably familiar to every person except Delia and her companions. Every one beside was therefore assembled upon the terrace."