Rachel Boddy

Rachel Boddy is uncovering the role of emotions in early eighteenth century celebrity culture.

Qualifications

MA in History, Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington, 2020

BA(Hons), Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington, 2018

BA in English Literature and History, Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington, 2017

Profile

PhD Thesis Title: Emotional Entanglements: Political Celebrity and Emotions in Eighteenth-Century Britain

Rachel is interested in the cultural and socio-political world of the long-eighteenth century in Britain. Her previous research has investigated political intimacy, marriage, divorce, and agency in eighteenth-century Britain.

Rachel’s current research seeks to uncover the role that emotions played in early celebrity culture, examining the early eighteenth century. Her focus is on political celebrity, albeit decentring traditional political actors and turning instead to Dr Henry Sacheverell, an Anglican clergyman who was impeached for preaching sedition, and Sarah Churchill, the Duchess of Marlborough, the Queen’s favourite and professional meddler. Investigating media sources both about and produced by these two figures allows for an exploration of the ways in which celebrity culture sought to engage the emotions of an audience via media.

Supervisors

Publications

Boddy, R., 17 February 2021, ‘Bridgerton: Women’s power in anonymity’, www.newsroom.co.nz/womens-power-in-anonymity

Boddy, R., 11 May 2021, ‘Long before Billie Eilish, women wore corsets for form, function and support’, theconversation.com/long-before-billie-eilish-women-wore-corsets-for-form-function-and-support-160598; www.stuff.co.nz/life-style/fashion/300305619/long-before-billie-eilish-women-wore-corsets-for-form-function-and-support

Boddy, R., ‘Power Play: Power, Playing Cards and the Representation of the Duchess of Marlborough’s Political Influence in early-eighteenth-century Britain’, Ars Longa, no. 1 (Winter 2021).