Charlotte Smith’s novels were considered 'subversive' mainly because they:

While Smith wrote during a time when the 19th-century novel was evolving, her works did not merely imitate her contemporaries. Instead, she carved her own path by infusing her narratives with distinct themes of social criticism and the plight of women, making her contributions unique rather than derivative.

Although romantic ideals feature in Smith's writing, her subversive nature stemmed more from her critical perspective on societal issues than from a mere promotion of romanticism. Many authors of her time embraced romantic ideals without challenging the societal norms, which differentiates Smith's work as truly subversive.

Contrary to advocating for traditional domestic roles, Smith's novels often depicted the struggles and limitations faced by women in such roles. By addressing these constraints, she questioned the very foundations of women's domesticity, further reinforcing her status as a subversive author.