Negotiating Care and Control: Impairment, Caregiving, and Surveillance in William Godwin’s Mandeville

In Mandeville, William Godwin presents a nuanced exploration of caregiving, impairment, and authority through the character of Audley Mandeville. Audley, portrayed as “deformed,” is situated in a vulnerable position, which Godwin uses to delve into the complexities of caregiving in the context of non-normative embodiment. The narrative contrasts the oppressive environment created by Audley's father and aunt, akin to a prison with strict surveillance, with the compassionate care of his cousin Amelia. This juxtaposition highlights the ethical implications of caregiving practices. The chapter intersects discourses on disability, care ethics, and surveillance, positioning Mandeville as an exploration of the dynamics of power, control, and care. It brings to light Godwin's perspectives on caregiving, underscoring the importance of nurturing care over authoritarian control and the balance between aiding and hindering. The chapter reveals how caregiving in Mandeville oscillates between oppressive control and genuine support, challenging readers to consider the ethical dimensions of caregiving, particularly for those with physical impairments. Ultimately, Godwin's narrative emphasizes caregiving's potential to empower individual agency, advocating for balanced and empathetic caregiving approaches—both domestically and politically.