Somebody thought it natural for her to play” (96). Something so simple as being taught how to play checkers, thrilled Janie and it is the first time I believe Janie felt respected by a man. Tea Cake and Janie go on to meet again and again, each time Tea Cake showing Janie something she had never done before. He takes her fishing, to a picnic, and they end up spending all their time together. Tea Cake is really affectionate with Janie and even combs her hair and picks the dandruff out.
Immediately after the minister’s first sermon, the young women speculate upon which local girl will marry him: “‘I reckon, if he’s chosen minister, that Lizzie’ll have ‘en,’ said a tall, lanky girl” (2). They do not discuss his sermon or what he is like as a minister; instead, they immediately assume that he will need to get married and that the local girls will have to compete for him. This assumption appears to be based on the idea that marriage is a social expectation for both men and women in their society. In addition, the conversation shows that economic class is a major issue in the town. When another girl suggests that a resident of Ruan might marry the minister, the others think it is ridiculous: “‘What, marry one o’ Ruan!’ the speaker tittered despitefully” (2).
In this story Panttaja says it is both mothers that are wicked. Panttaja states the real mother “plots and schemes, and she wins” (Panttaja 660) when it comes to fulfilling the wishes of Ashputtle. But actually the two mothers have the same goal in mind; to have their daughters married off and have a joyful life. To be able to do this, the real mother puts a charm on the prince to make him fall in love with Ashputtle instead of anyone else. The prince did not dance with anyone else all night and would always say “she is my partner” (Grimm 630).
Compare the ways in which The Ruined Maid and one other poem of your choice explores female characters WOMEN ARE SEEN AS OBJECTS • ‘We played at courtly love’ – suggestion that marrying her is all a game and she is their prize. • ‘toy, a plaything, little women’ – no emotional connection to her, once she is wedded and bedded she is just,’ a bit of fluff’. • Isn’t allowed to work but just look pretty, ‘we never do work when we’re ruined’. • ‘one’s life is pretty lively when ruined’ – sarcasm if told what to do – be with men RUINED FOR OPPOSITE REASONS – MARRIAGE • Before she was married she had a status, she was higher up, ‘out of reach’ • After she was married she loses her status because she is no longer worth striving for, ‘I became’ enjambment • She is seen as beautiful, ‘a damsel and the peach’ – something sweet and sensual • Now no beautiful imagery, ‘only a bit of fluff’ something so disregarded and unnecessary’ - needing to be disposed • Oppositely she is ruined and disregarded because she chose not to marry. • ‘You aint ruined’ – sense that she is envious that the other farm girl can be no naive (could remind herself of her).
She wrote in “Thinking About Shakespeare’s Sister”, about the acceptable actions that were performed on women specifically to oppress them. Actions life domestic abuse, arranged marriages, and being the property of the males in their lives. This was hundreds of years ago, but somewhere along the way we gradually gained independence and respect. I see this not as a need for an end to feminism. Society claims that we have reached a point where sexism is not existence and feminist are just grasping onto thin air to keep their agenda alive.
To what extent did women’s lives change 1850-1901? Women’s lives may not have changed a great deal between the years 1850 and 1901 but the changes that did occur did have an impact on women’s lives. Though there may have been some much bigger changes that came after this time period, it was the changes that happened in these years that kick started the change for women politically and socially. In 1850 women’s roles within society were extremely restricted and they had very limited opportunities. Women were expected to marry, have children and financially they were expected to be fully dependent on their husbands.
When we go back to 19th century that was the time when it was witnessed that the male suffrage was prevailing in a number of countries and women suffrage was not there and somehow it ignited a spark among women to fight for themselves and for their rights so that they could be treated as humans and not as animals. In the year 1893, women were able to achieve equal voting rights at national level in New Zealand. The same pattern was followed in Australia in 1902. However, in America, England and Canada women could achieve same voting rights only after the First World War ended. Then came into being the famous movement called The Suffrage Movement during which the women fought for their equal voting rights which all men were enjoying at that time because they were of the view that they were a part of the society too and they deserve all the rights to elect their representatives.
Although women have the right to vote today, this is quite different compared with women’s condition back in the late 1800’s. Women were treated unfairly; they just belonged to their husbands who were able to control all of their rights and use a moderate coercion if they were disloyal or disobedient. Being a woman who is willing to break the rules to bring back a freedom life for all women, Susan B. Anthony tried to vote for a presidential election and was arrested due to being female in 1872. During her trial, Anthony published a speech “On Women’s right to vote”. In her speech, the main reason Anthony was successful in persuading her audience was that she clearly established an exigent circumstance early and effectively adapted her writing to the kairos of the moment.
In the story, the Awakening, Edna also rebelled against society by freely expressing herself. In her era, most people thought women had to be married and have children but she didn’t want that. This is a perfect example of how women can be rebellious against society’s view on
Over one hundred years ago, many people believed that a woman’s place was in the home, cooking, cleaning, and raising kids. Things have changed tremendously in America since the 19th century. Women now have rights that they didn’t have before. There are now plenty more opportunities available for women to succeed, unlike the 19th Century when women weren’t given any opportunities to do so. In the 19th century, women weren’t allowed to vote or run for office.