Model Martha Mother

In Fanny Fern’s “Folly as it Flies” she states, “I don’t care anything about that basket of unmended stockings, or unmade pinafores, or any other nursery nightmare which haunts the dreams of these “Martha mothers.” The “Martha” character refers to either (or a combination of) Martha Washington or the biblical Martha, sister of Mary. Martha Washington was viewed as a stellar example of a faithful wife and Republican mother. Sarah Josepha Hale discusses Martha Washington’s virtues in “Manners” under a section titled “Washington’s Birthday.” Hale praises her for following her husband to battle and exhibits her married life as an “example of conjugal faith and domestic enjoyment.” Fern could also be referring to the biblical Martha, who is too concerned with preparing her house for Jesus’ arrival to celebrate his presence. When Martha complains to Jesus about Mary and asks him to bid her sister to help her with the work, he replies, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her (Luke 10:41-42).” Fern, like Jesus in the passage, reminds women in “Folly as it Flies” that housework comes second to many other integral parts of life, like personal liberty. She condemns both “Martha” figures, the subservient First Lady and the oblivious sister.

Alyssa Linn, Sec 1A