Bildungsroman is a novelistic coming of age story that follows the psychological, spiritual, and social growth of a protagonist from his/her childhood to adulthood. The main premise of such a story is to illustrate one's journey towards maturity and then to emphasize the moment of maturity itself. In this sense, Little Women is thus a bildungsroman, particularly as it traces Jo's psychological, spiritual, and social development throughout the novel from a tomboyish girl to a new age woman who embodies both conservative and progressive ideals of womanhood. As Jo's bildungsroman unfolds, she faces battles between herself and society to arrive at a point of definition by the end of the novel. Seen as both a progressive woman through her redefinition of marriage in the choice of marrying Professor Bhaer instead of prince charming Laurie and as an eventual conformist who annihilates her individuality by marrying at all, Jo's bildungsroman emphasizes a hybrid of conservative and progressive womanhood to put forth a more practical view of transcendentalism.
-Jennifer Ngoc-Minh Pham aka JUST JENNY! =)
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Voyeurism in "Incidents"
Both Mr. and Mrs. Flint take on voyeuristic rols in their treatment of Linda. Mr. Flint harrasses and spies on Linda constantly as she says "his footsteps dogged" her and he engages in a visual and verbal rape of her as he spies on her and also repeats that she is his property. His goal is to eliminate any innocence she may have, and make her his sexual slave, a victim of his lust. He threatens her with violence against her and her children just to satisfy his sexual lust. Mrs. Flint is odd in her behavior. She is threated by Linda's sexuality and fears her husband's wandering eye. Yet instead of watching him, she watches Linda, even whispering in her ear, as Linda sleeps,strange, inappropriate intimacies. She takes on the role of her lacivious husband to catch Linda in a lie, but becomes a voyeur herself.
Amber Bissell
Amber Bissell
The Female Body in "Incidents"
Dr. Flint lusts over his slave, Linda, and repeatedly attempts to coerce her into a sexual relationship. The control of her body is used as a threat against her, as she fears a rape, fears that her only control over Flint, her body, will be taken away. Dr. Flint verbally rapes her by saying he has control over her as he is her master and that he will sell her children and kill her if she does not submit, if she does not become his sexual slave. Linda then uses her own womb as a weapon or a defense mechanism as she engages in sexual relationship with Mr. Sands and becomes pregnant. She takes control of her body and denies Dr. Flint her virginity and sexuality. She uses her pregnancy as a method of escape, and frees herself from sexual slavery by using her sexual wiles.
Amber Bissell
Amber Bissell
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Objective Correlative
In regards to "incidents in the life of a slave girl," the objective correlative for the situation of slavery is Linda Brent's imprisonment in her grandmother's attic. The restriction to her physical body reflects her emotional state of being in being trapped in the physical and mental oppression of slavery. Her seven years in the attic was a physically and mentally damaging situation, in which her escape from slavery actually in a sense crippled her. She was entrapped, enslaved, concealed, and degraded. The darkness of slavery was actually reflected in the physical domain of her attic prison. The oppression thar Linda suffered at the hands of Dr. Flint was only furthered in 3x7x9 space that she barely survived. The attic provided only subhuman conditions, just as slavery treated her as a subhuman.
Amber Bissell
Amber Bissell
christmas festivities
In the chapter "christmas festivities," jacobs states that christmas is a holidy for "both with white and colored people" (119). It seems to suggest that christianity is universal, not separated or segregated based on color of skin, and it also seems that religion plays a central role in the lives of white and colored people, which religion is one connection that ties them together regardless of material or realistic differences. Also in one passage when Benny argues that Santa Claus was the one that bought him the new clothes, not his mother, Linda's reaction shows her yearning to reunite to her children, desperation of her current condition, and her sense of the result for the absence of motherhood.
Maggie Liu.
Maggie Liu.
Trip to England
In the trip to England, Linda was exposed to an environment that she had never experienced before. There was significantly less racism there than even in the North. When she returned home she realized that the North wasn't exactly the place she has expected it to be. It still was harboring racist sentiments. England showed Linda a different type of person and a different way to live. It made her life in the North not seem like the best thing that she ever could've had. At the same time, Linda was blessed because she was able to see that there are places in the world that are free of racism and where color doesn't matter. It was important for her to see that and to experience that world.
Rebecca Flick
Rebecca Flick
True Christianity
A recurring theme in Incidents of a Slave Girl is Christianity. We see many incidents throughout the book where Whites proclaim themselves Supreme Christians. In chapter 13 The Rev.(a white man) states, "Hearken, ye servants! Give strict heed unto my words. You are rebellious sinners. Your hearts are filled with all manner evil"(68-69). The ultimate Master, in the eyes of whites, is Christ. Their attendance in the house of the Lord rids their sins and justifies their acts of cruelty; a slaveholder who buys and sells slaves and flogs them to death is forgiven for it is the will of God that places slavery in the world and it is the will of God that places the responsibility of slaves' lives in the hands of Whites. If it were not for the good-hearted white man and his reasoning that slaves need religious instructions their evil and wicked ways would never be forgiven. It is evident that those who exercise true Christianity, true common sense, and true courage are the slaves. A symbol of true Christianity is Aunt Marthy, Linda's grandmother. It is her good-willed natured, her faithful service to both her Masters and friends and family and perseverance that characterizes her as an individual who sacrifices herself for those she loves.
Super Mom
In the reading “Folly as it flies” Fanny Fern expresses her worry about women’s health issues because of their selfish dedication to work “The more she can’t work, the more she will try to, till she drops in her tracks, unless, catching sight of her prospective coffin, she stops in time”(73). Ignoring their health state women tend to keep on with their daily complex routine of life because their only job is to keep the house and everyone in it in order. They need to keep living up to the typical image of an ideal woman that can handle the duties of a mother and a wife and a respectable in society in order to feel that they are doing their role in life properly. Because of this mentality they tend to keep on working disregarding any inconvenient health state and if not careful, end up harming themselves greatly to the point of death.
Zamara Jimenez
Zamara Jimenez
Dr. Flint - The Terminator?
This might sound a little goofy but did the character of Dr. Flint in Incidents of the Life of a Slave Girl by Harriet S. Jacobs remind anyone else of the Terminator?
I guess it was his relentless pursuit of Linda that really brought the connection home to me. He just would not stop going after her no matter how long it took. His search dragged on for years with him acting as an even more insane version of Capt. Ahab.
There are other incidents, such as when Jacobs writes, "Dr. Flint and his family repeatedly tried to coax and bribe my children to tell something they had heard about me", that really hammer home this notion of him being not just a representation of the callous slaveowner but of the very force of enslavement itself (117). He does not seem to tire of the chase and will resort to any lengths, trickery or bribery for example, to retrieve what he feels is his property and what we all know is the life and liberty of a human being.
So I guess my comparison to the Terminator isn't far off because, to me, Dr. Flint is a figure of cold, almost mechanical cruelty. Sure, he's able to wear the skin of a man in the sense that we often see him act kindly in the story but deep down we can see the gears of corruption and greed clicking away below the surface and we know that all his kind words are only to benefit his own sense of entitlement and self-worth and to allow him to get what he wants.
- Jozef Helms.
I guess it was his relentless pursuit of Linda that really brought the connection home to me. He just would not stop going after her no matter how long it took. His search dragged on for years with him acting as an even more insane version of Capt. Ahab.
There are other incidents, such as when Jacobs writes, "Dr. Flint and his family repeatedly tried to coax and bribe my children to tell something they had heard about me", that really hammer home this notion of him being not just a representation of the callous slaveowner but of the very force of enslavement itself (117). He does not seem to tire of the chase and will resort to any lengths, trickery or bribery for example, to retrieve what he feels is his property and what we all know is the life and liberty of a human being.
So I guess my comparison to the Terminator isn't far off because, to me, Dr. Flint is a figure of cold, almost mechanical cruelty. Sure, he's able to wear the skin of a man in the sense that we often see him act kindly in the story but deep down we can see the gears of corruption and greed clicking away below the surface and we know that all his kind words are only to benefit his own sense of entitlement and self-worth and to allow him to get what he wants.
- Jozef Helms.
Spinster
Spinsters are women who remain unmarried. While some women may choose the life of a spinster, some women are left into this position due to family circumstances and having past the common age of marriage for the time period. Any number of circumstances can be attributed to the status including scandal, inability to produce a dowry, sickness, or devotion to family. Fanny Fern in her writings indicates that remaining a spinster is not a horrid fate, as write Sarah Josepha Hale would believe, and that woman do have the choice to remain unmarried. Famous writer Louisa May Alcott never married and died a spinster. The term is one which is now considered sexist in terms of its negative connotation, especially when compared with its gender counterpart bachelor.
Tyson Ramirez
Farm Horse or a Fancy Horse
This particular line comes from the beginning of Fanny Fern’s, Folly As It Flies. While having a discussion with a man, Fern begins to explain the unreasonable demands that men make of women. She achieves this point by comparing how men select a wife to how they would select a horse. Fern states that a man could choose a farm horse which is less aesthetically pleasing, yet wholly functional, or he could choose an ornamental horse which is beautiful, but ill-conceived for hard labor. This metaphor shows that a man should not expect a picturesque trophy wife to be as able at hard work, just as he would never expect an ornamental horse to serve him by plowing fields. The use of animals is also done to compare how men are more readily able to understand a spouse as property rather than humans, a tone which is found throughout the piece.
Tyson Ramirez
Monday, October 29, 2007
Midterm
I'm going to chose "Incidents in the life of a slave girl" for my essay portion of the
midterm. And take a in depth look @ how sex and freedom are used in the book. I think
there will be an onslaught of Little Woman essays so, I'm going to go against the grain.
Bradlee Rohan
midterm. And take a in depth look @ how sex and freedom are used in the book. I think
there will be an onslaught of Little Woman essays so, I'm going to go against the grain.
Bradlee Rohan
On Being Owned
In Incidents In the Life of a Slave Girl, Harriet Jacobs describes the horrors that arise when a persons loses their humanity and are treated as nothing more than property. The strife which Jacobs endures does not only exist whilst she is in servitude, but also while she is attempting her escape. Despite the decision to flee from the grasp of Dr. Flint, Jacobs still carries the same fears she did when she served the family. This brings upon the notion that "masters" did not just own a slave physically, but that in many cases the slave was owned mentally as well.
Joel Rodriguez
Joel Rodriguez
Female literacy
Female literacy was mentioned as a major historical event on the Chronology of American Literary History handout under the dates for 1820-1850. It was significant because it gave rise to the participation of women in education and the establishment of women’s colleges. The rise of literacy integrated women into the literary field because, literate women were able to write and be educated. It caused them to write educational manuals, housewife manuals, and novels. It also caused women to become teachers and spread their wisdom to the future generation of women. Literacy also meant that women were able to sign their names; this gave them a voice and an identity. The main idea of increasing female literacy was that it established a female audience among readers. The upper class was likely to be consumers of literature; so they would buy and read books.
Alene Tchekmedyian
Alene Tchekmedyian
New Year's Day
“Hiring-day at the south takes place on the 1st of January. On the 2d, the slaves are expected to go to their new masters” (Jacobs 15). A lot of irony is found in just the title of the shortest chapter of the novel; “The Slaves’ New Year’s Day.” One’s New Year’s Day should be filled with a lot of happiness and contentment, but for the slaves, this supposedly-joyful day would determine their life for the rest of the year. Another subject that Jacobs emphasized in this chapter is the sorrows of slave mothers. She talked about a mother who brought seven of her children to the auction-block, and lost all of them to a slave-trader. At this point, Linda Brent hasn’t got any children yet. The chapter somewhat foreshadows Linda whom later on became a mother. As any mother would, Linda did everything she could to protect her own children.
-Dovieke Angsana
Letters in Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl
The plethora of letters being sent back and forth in the book represent the importance of written communication. While many times, the letters sent to Linda; either by Dr. Flint or other persons interested in possessing Linda as chattel are viewed as undesirable ones which emphasize Linda's condition as a slave and as a piece of property, in more frequency than the latter, letters represent Linda's power as a literate human being to reject the supremacy of those who would claim it, and outwit the ones who would trick Linda back into the 'jaws of slavery'. Dr. Flint's letters to Linda are used as a means to further his power over her and to "help to advance his favorite scheme," (31) to browbeat Linda into complete mental and physical submission. Linda's rejection of the letters- her refusal to read them, and her conscious decision to reject not only the letters, but with it, its proposals, is symbolic of her refusal to submit to her condition, despite the overwhelming evidence of the futility of her resistance.
Later in the work, numerous letters are written to Linda by those who wish to recapture Linda and to bring her back into the power of Dr. Flint. Her literacy, her ability to read between the lines, and her ability to discern between genuine words of honesty and well crafted phrases designed to confuse and fool her, are what keep Linda from becoming the chattel which she struggles so valiantly to resist becoming. Linda's literacy is essential to her successful rejection of a life of bondage. The letters which appear so frequently in the book serve to emphasize the precipitous dangers which constantly loom over Linda, as a fugitive slave, and consequently serve to emphasize the intelligence, bravery, and courage of the woman who employs these letters to her own advantage in order to escape these very dangers.
Later in the work, numerous letters are written to Linda by those who wish to recapture Linda and to bring her back into the power of Dr. Flint. Her literacy, her ability to read between the lines, and her ability to discern between genuine words of honesty and well crafted phrases designed to confuse and fool her, are what keep Linda from becoming the chattel which she struggles so valiantly to resist becoming. Linda's literacy is essential to her successful rejection of a life of bondage. The letters which appear so frequently in the book serve to emphasize the precipitous dangers which constantly loom over Linda, as a fugitive slave, and consequently serve to emphasize the intelligence, bravery, and courage of the woman who employs these letters to her own advantage in order to escape these very dangers.
Castles
Castles
In Little Women, the theme of castles is oft repeated and represents the individual dreams and desires of each of the four little women and Laurie. Chapter 13 is full of allusions to these fantastical dream castles which the young people imagine are waiting for them in the "Celestial City". The Celestial City is an allusion to the heaven in Pilgrim's Progress, the ultimate goal of the pilgrim, and consequently, the ultimate destination goal for the children. They imagine the heavenly city to be a difficult place to reach, and likewise, the dreams they hope to achieve in their lifetimes seem just as improbable. All of their castles have realistic impediments which frustrate their progress towards achieving their goals. The most important of these obstacles is the struggle which all of the young ones face between their duties to their families and their duties to themselves to achieve their dreams. In chapter 13, aptly named "Castles in the Air", Laurie is torn between his grandfather's wishes for him to attend college and his own desire to become a world famous musician, while Jo is torn between her desire to pursue her writing and "get rich and famous"(140) and her domestic duties as a woman and a daughter. The castles in the air represents the dreams and fantasies of youth before its adulteration by the realities and expectations of societal mores and familial duties.
In Little Women, the theme of castles is oft repeated and represents the individual dreams and desires of each of the four little women and Laurie. Chapter 13 is full of allusions to these fantastical dream castles which the young people imagine are waiting for them in the "Celestial City". The Celestial City is an allusion to the heaven in Pilgrim's Progress, the ultimate goal of the pilgrim, and consequently, the ultimate destination goal for the children. They imagine the heavenly city to be a difficult place to reach, and likewise, the dreams they hope to achieve in their lifetimes seem just as improbable. All of their castles have realistic impediments which frustrate their progress towards achieving their goals. The most important of these obstacles is the struggle which all of the young ones face between their duties to their families and their duties to themselves to achieve their dreams. In chapter 13, aptly named "Castles in the Air", Laurie is torn between his grandfather's wishes for him to attend college and his own desire to become a world famous musician, while Jo is torn between her desire to pursue her writing and "get rich and famous"(140) and her domestic duties as a woman and a daughter. The castles in the air represents the dreams and fantasies of youth before its adulteration by the realities and expectations of societal mores and familial duties.
Replicative Model
A replicative model is when a person grows up to be just like their mother. For example, in Alcott's "Little Women" Meg is just like her mother Margret. Meg likes to sew, and does her best at running a household, though at times she has trouble. Like her mother she battles with money and adores her family. When Margret is not around, Meg is always the one to take care of the others, and guides her sisters. She fits the mold of a replicative model.
Allyson Sawyer
Discussion 1A
Allyson Sawyer
Discussion 1A
The Fourth of July and Washington's Birthday
In Hale's Manners, the author describes the Fourth of July as a celebration of Christian households. According to Hale, if a country did not consist of households, it would be doomed to failure (she cites Sparta as an example). Hale sees America's success as a result of the sacred institutions of Christianity and families. There is a patriotic tone throughout this piece that is meant to invoke nationalism within the readers. Hale believes households and Christianity are the backbone and foundation of American society, and that without them the result would be doom and downfall.
Hale highlights the importance of the household and religion to breed patriotism, and also to reinforce women's roles as mothers and domestics. She illustrates these roles as civic duties that are necessary for the success of the country and encourages women to be mothers and wives, to take care of thier households, and be beacons of religious knowledge.
Hale also focuses on another important national holiday to reinforce the importance of family and the role of women as mothers and moral leaders. George Washington is idolized by Hale, who states that he only one step below Jesus, and attributes his amazing character and virtue to his mother. She uses the first president of the country as an example of the perfect man and uses his mother to be a role to other women. The role of women is portrayed as the nurturer, and the molder of boys into men. Washington's mother is seen as delicate and pious, and his wife is represented as faithful and dedicated to her husband. Washington's greatness is constantly credited to his mother, and this tactic is meant to reinforce the importance of the female role as a mother, and reinstate it as a civic duty. The downfall or the success of the country, according to Hale, rests with the stability of the Christian household.
Ashley Smith
Hale highlights the importance of the household and religion to breed patriotism, and also to reinforce women's roles as mothers and domestics. She illustrates these roles as civic duties that are necessary for the success of the country and encourages women to be mothers and wives, to take care of thier households, and be beacons of religious knowledge.
Hale also focuses on another important national holiday to reinforce the importance of family and the role of women as mothers and moral leaders. George Washington is idolized by Hale, who states that he only one step below Jesus, and attributes his amazing character and virtue to his mother. She uses the first president of the country as an example of the perfect man and uses his mother to be a role to other women. The role of women is portrayed as the nurturer, and the molder of boys into men. Washington's mother is seen as delicate and pious, and his wife is represented as faithful and dedicated to her husband. Washington's greatness is constantly credited to his mother, and this tactic is meant to reinforce the importance of the female role as a mother, and reinstate it as a civic duty. The downfall or the success of the country, according to Hale, rests with the stability of the Christian household.
Ashley Smith
Power Loom
The invention of the power loom contributed to the first steps of civilization towards industrialization. Originally created and implemented in England during the late 18th century, Francis Cabot Lowell copies plans for the power loom and eventually builds his own mill in Waltham, Massachusetts. As the power loom was driven by water, this first mill was constructed next to a river.
The "Lowell" mills were staffed by young girls, generally in their early to late teens. The mills offered a variety of financial and spiritual motives for its employees. Although mill work often had an ill effect on health (constantly breathing in cotton fibers, moving machinery, exposure to temperature extremes), when not working employees were provided with a safe and protected environment through boarding houses and supervision. A portion of their pay was also deducted by the Church, which supplied matrons to provide religious and surrogate maternal guidance.
Many of these young girls came from a rural environment, in which sisters and daughters were destined to be married off quickly to alleviate their drain on family resources. The power loom made it possible for these girls to move into the city and out of the household without marrying. The ability to earn one's own wages also allowed a mill girl to send money home to help the family, or contribute to their own dowries for future marriage. For many of these girls, their wages were also the first time they had personal money to spend as they saw fit, introducing a new class of consumers.
The power loom made textiles widely available for the first time in history, which also created a new demand for raw resources and workers to process materials. Farm girls that moved into the city to work at these mills were often able to apply previous domestic sewing experience to a form of proto-manufacturing known as piecework. The Lowell mills (and its subsequent industrial counterparts) were located in the northern states, while the cotton producing plantations resided in the south. The demand for raw resources by northern factories made plantation farming in the south highly profitable. These plantations in turn resulted in a focus on slave dependant labor in the south, as evident in Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl.
Another side effect of young girls clustering in textile mill boarding houses is education and introduction to available literature. While on the farm, literacy for a girl would have been considered unnecessary for the execution of tasks in her gender specific sphere. Life in the city presented a new independence and freedom, in which girls were able to pursue reading and writing as they wished in their free time. Mill girls had access to circulating libraries, which made available a variety of literature including escapist, moral, and religious documents. Post-work recreation in the boarding houses often took the form of communal reading. Girls residing in the boarding houses also had opportunities to attend Lycean Lectures, a form of self-education in which guest lecturers were invited to speak on a variety of topics. Mill girls also wrote literature of their own, most notably "The Lowell Offering," a publication that ran from 1840-1845.
While the power loom introduced industrialization and allowed women a chance to enter the workforce, the bad working conditions would also fuel reformist movements (resulting in reformist writings) to improve labor legislation, which likewise would form the foundation for future abolition and suffrage movements (again resulting in relevant literature).
- Joseph Lu
The "Lowell" mills were staffed by young girls, generally in their early to late teens. The mills offered a variety of financial and spiritual motives for its employees. Although mill work often had an ill effect on health (constantly breathing in cotton fibers, moving machinery, exposure to temperature extremes), when not working employees were provided with a safe and protected environment through boarding houses and supervision. A portion of their pay was also deducted by the Church, which supplied matrons to provide religious and surrogate maternal guidance.
Many of these young girls came from a rural environment, in which sisters and daughters were destined to be married off quickly to alleviate their drain on family resources. The power loom made it possible for these girls to move into the city and out of the household without marrying. The ability to earn one's own wages also allowed a mill girl to send money home to help the family, or contribute to their own dowries for future marriage. For many of these girls, their wages were also the first time they had personal money to spend as they saw fit, introducing a new class of consumers.
The power loom made textiles widely available for the first time in history, which also created a new demand for raw resources and workers to process materials. Farm girls that moved into the city to work at these mills were often able to apply previous domestic sewing experience to a form of proto-manufacturing known as piecework. The Lowell mills (and its subsequent industrial counterparts) were located in the northern states, while the cotton producing plantations resided in the south. The demand for raw resources by northern factories made plantation farming in the south highly profitable. These plantations in turn resulted in a focus on slave dependant labor in the south, as evident in Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl.
Another side effect of young girls clustering in textile mill boarding houses is education and introduction to available literature. While on the farm, literacy for a girl would have been considered unnecessary for the execution of tasks in her gender specific sphere. Life in the city presented a new independence and freedom, in which girls were able to pursue reading and writing as they wished in their free time. Mill girls had access to circulating libraries, which made available a variety of literature including escapist, moral, and religious documents. Post-work recreation in the boarding houses often took the form of communal reading. Girls residing in the boarding houses also had opportunities to attend Lycean Lectures, a form of self-education in which guest lecturers were invited to speak on a variety of topics. Mill girls also wrote literature of their own, most notably "The Lowell Offering," a publication that ran from 1840-1845.
While the power loom introduced industrialization and allowed women a chance to enter the workforce, the bad working conditions would also fuel reformist movements (resulting in reformist writings) to improve labor legislation, which likewise would form the foundation for future abolition and suffrage movements (again resulting in relevant literature).
- Joseph Lu
Peephole
In Harriet Jacob's Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl, the author recounts her life as a slave, and the painful, long journey she took to lead herself and her children to freedom. Harriet narrowly escapes Dr. Flint, and if forced to live in hiding in her grandmother's house until the right opportunity for her escape comes about. She lives for nearly seven years in a crawlspace above the house, which she cannot leave for fear of exposure. This is a painful and tedious time in her life and she cannot acknowledge her presence to her young children, who long for her and live under the same roof. To spare her sanity, Linda manages to make a small peephole in the wall of her hiding place, which she uses to watch her children and overhear any news or gossip that goes on outside the home.
The peephole that Linda created was the one small window into the real world that she had for seven years, and the small inch or two that she could look upon her children through. Although she was not under Dr. Flint's rule, she was still not free, and chose to live in a dirty, cramped space without the companionship of her children and friends instead of living as a slave. Linda chose these drastic conditions over living in bondage, and this choice reveals the harshness and hellishness of slavery and the measures many people took to escape it. Her peephole motivated her to eventually achieve freedom for herself and her family, and it kept her alive through the long dark years she spent secretly stowed away.
Ashley Smith
hazelnutwhitemocha@yahoo.com
The peephole that Linda created was the one small window into the real world that she had for seven years, and the small inch or two that she could look upon her children through. Although she was not under Dr. Flint's rule, she was still not free, and chose to live in a dirty, cramped space without the companionship of her children and friends instead of living as a slave. Linda chose these drastic conditions over living in bondage, and this choice reveals the harshness and hellishness of slavery and the measures many people took to escape it. Her peephole motivated her to eventually achieve freedom for herself and her family, and it kept her alive through the long dark years she spent secretly stowed away.
Ashley Smith
hazelnutwhitemocha@yahoo.com
Jo's Refusal
'Yes you will!' persisted Jo, 'you'll get over this after a while, and find some lovely, accomplished girl, who will adore you, and make a fine mistress for your fine house. I shouldn't..." (351).
Author Louisa May Alcott in "Little Women" effectively portrays the protagonist of the story, Jo, as a defiant young girl who behaves similar to that of a male character. She simply refuses to conform to the pressures of society to behave as a young lady. Throughout the novel, Jo forms a close friendship with the boy next door, Laurie. When Laurie asks Jo to be his wife, she attempts to convince him she is not the right person for him as he is more suited for a woman who is "accomplished" and will "adore" him. Intially, it is suggested that Jo ultimately rejects the concept of marriage, however as the story progresses we learn Jo has chosen to marry Professor Bhaer who in the end is able to bring out the creativity that rests in Jo. Therefore, it can be assumed Jo's rejection of Laurie directly relates to her inability to conform to the "young, obeying wife" that Laurie deserves.
Cecilia Luppi
Author Louisa May Alcott in "Little Women" effectively portrays the protagonist of the story, Jo, as a defiant young girl who behaves similar to that of a male character. She simply refuses to conform to the pressures of society to behave as a young lady. Throughout the novel, Jo forms a close friendship with the boy next door, Laurie. When Laurie asks Jo to be his wife, she attempts to convince him she is not the right person for him as he is more suited for a woman who is "accomplished" and will "adore" him. Intially, it is suggested that Jo ultimately rejects the concept of marriage, however as the story progresses we learn Jo has chosen to marry Professor Bhaer who in the end is able to bring out the creativity that rests in Jo. Therefore, it can be assumed Jo's rejection of Laurie directly relates to her inability to conform to the "young, obeying wife" that Laurie deserves.
Cecilia Luppi
Ferns' Ideals
"The moral of all which is, that if nobody else will take care of you, you might just take care of yourself" (74).
An advocate of independence and womens' rights, Fannie Fern of "Folly as it Flies" stresses the importance of women living without the influence of societal pressures. Fern acknowledges it is exhausting for women to meet the demands of the difficult manual labor they engage in each day. She embraces the concept of taking time to relax and rejuvenate as women will otherwise dig an early grave for themselves. She argues against the notion that men look after their wives writing, "Nobody else will take care of you." It is understandably a call for action for her readers to embrace their own freedom and independence.
Cecilia Luppi
An advocate of independence and womens' rights, Fannie Fern of "Folly as it Flies" stresses the importance of women living without the influence of societal pressures. Fern acknowledges it is exhausting for women to meet the demands of the difficult manual labor they engage in each day. She embraces the concept of taking time to relax and rejuvenate as women will otherwise dig an early grave for themselves. She argues against the notion that men look after their wives writing, "Nobody else will take care of you." It is understandably a call for action for her readers to embrace their own freedom and independence.
Cecilia Luppi
S.J. Hale "Home Department"
"The home department belongs exclusively to the wife. The province of the husband is to rule the house; hers to regulate its internal movements" (39).
Sarah Josepha Hale provides readers with an extensive outline of the expectations women were required to fulfill in her manual entitled, "Manners." Focusing primarily on etiquette and the behavioral rules women should exhibit, Hale argues womens' place was in the home and that men should provide the finances for the family. It is implied that the role of the wife is not to be in anyway of less importance to that of the husband as she is responsible for the internal happenings of the household. The use of the words "exlusively" and "regulate" help to support this theme that the women contributions to the household were of primary importance to create a positive society.
Cecilia Luppi
Sarah Josepha Hale provides readers with an extensive outline of the expectations women were required to fulfill in her manual entitled, "Manners." Focusing primarily on etiquette and the behavioral rules women should exhibit, Hale argues womens' place was in the home and that men should provide the finances for the family. It is implied that the role of the wife is not to be in anyway of less importance to that of the husband as she is responsible for the internal happenings of the household. The use of the words "exlusively" and "regulate" help to support this theme that the women contributions to the household were of primary importance to create a positive society.
Cecilia Luppi
The Detached Philospher
In Louisa May Alcott's novel 'Little Women', the role of the detached philosopher seems to fall upon all the men in the novel at one point or another. Joe's father Mr.March is a chaplain for the Union army, but he is also as the head of his household depicted as a man who sets the spiritual and intellectual guidance for the March women... including Marmee. John Brooke (Meg's future husband) serves as a tutor, companion, and clerk/bookeeper all the while maintaining his own philosophies, while Laurie and Mr. Bhaer are perhaps the ideal embodiments of the philosopher: one is wealthy and distributes charity without a care in the world, while the other is a European tutor who is not so financially sound.
It is interesting that in Alcott's novel all the men at some point are depicted as intellectual thinkers for the women, and none are really depicted in blue-collar manual labor positions as was common for men at the time.
--Rachel Robles
It is interesting that in Alcott's novel all the men at some point are depicted as intellectual thinkers for the women, and none are really depicted in blue-collar manual labor positions as was common for men at the time.
--Rachel Robles
Spitting in Dishes
Spitting in Dishes
This is an extremely important event because Linda (Jacobs) describes to the reader some of the events that have taken place in the home of Mr. Flint. If the cook does not prepare the food on time or there is something wrong with the food, Mrs. Flint would go to the kitchen and spit in all the dishes right after they had been served to the family. She did this so that the servants ate nothing, because the servants were only able to eat what the family allowed them to have. Mrs. Flint kept close eye on the kitchen and she knew if one of the servants took food from her kitchen, they were only allowed to eat what she thought that she thought they deserved. This is also a demonstration of how cruel Mrs. Flint was as well as how far she would go in order to be control of her house.
by Gloria Negrete-Lopez
This is an extremely important event because Linda (Jacobs) describes to the reader some of the events that have taken place in the home of Mr. Flint. If the cook does not prepare the food on time or there is something wrong with the food, Mrs. Flint would go to the kitchen and spit in all the dishes right after they had been served to the family. She did this so that the servants ate nothing, because the servants were only able to eat what the family allowed them to have. Mrs. Flint kept close eye on the kitchen and she knew if one of the servants took food from her kitchen, they were only allowed to eat what she thought that she thought they deserved. This is also a demonstration of how cruel Mrs. Flint was as well as how far she would go in order to be control of her house.
by Gloria Negrete-Lopez
New Years
In Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl, author Harriet Jacobs illuminates the great disparity between the celebration of New Year’s Day for black slaves and white population during the 1800s. As Jacob affirms, New Year’s Day for the white community consists of gifts and heart-warming affection. The celebration of New Years for slaves however was not elating, but excruciating. January 1st is the date in which slaves were sold. Hence, griefs of the powerless slaves were conveyed during the sales due to the separation of family members. The implication of New Years significantly connects to the theme of the plot, which exemplifies the corruption of slavery. There is an apparent injustice with the system of slavery which revolves as the central theme of the story. In conclusion, it is perhaps ironic that the celebration of New Years is conceived as a joyous holiday that promotes family gatherings, yet for slaves it is the precise contrary.
Donald Ung
Donald Ung
Sunday, October 28, 2007
Education
“The higher, that is, the more thoroughly trained, the mother has been in all branched which her children will need to study, the better able she will be to form their minds for the reception of culture” Pg. 34
Sarah Josepha Hale stresses the idea of women to be properly educated and trained in domestic science in order to form the minds of her children in response to society and giving them the correct upbringing to apply to mankind. On a greater scale, the education of the woman will assist in providing a better society by applying this knowledge in raising her children whom are the future of society. Since Hale identifies the women as the providers of morality and good values, it is best to make sure that women are fully equipped in knowledge when it involves teaching and preserving morality within their given households.
Ogo Olele
Sarah Josepha Hale stresses the idea of women to be properly educated and trained in domestic science in order to form the minds of her children in response to society and giving them the correct upbringing to apply to mankind. On a greater scale, the education of the woman will assist in providing a better society by applying this knowledge in raising her children whom are the future of society. Since Hale identifies the women as the providers of morality and good values, it is best to make sure that women are fully equipped in knowledge when it involves teaching and preserving morality within their given households.
Ogo Olele
Duty of the man if the women must marry
“honor her as the weaker vessel, which surely means the delicate, appreciating care such as he would take of fine porcelain, in distinction from a common clay vessel…” Pg. 30
Sarah Josepha Hale not only emphasizes the woman as the weaker complement of the “ideal marriage”, but directly places the woman in the category of the husband’s property or object. In her piece she illustrates the image of the woman as appearing weak and fragile. This image is associated with the ideas of the woman to be delicate and easily shattered as mentioned in lecture. Therefore, implying the inability of woman to fully take care of herself and requesting dependence upon the man for strength.
Ogo Olele
Sarah Josepha Hale not only emphasizes the woman as the weaker complement of the “ideal marriage”, but directly places the woman in the category of the husband’s property or object. In her piece she illustrates the image of the woman as appearing weak and fragile. This image is associated with the ideas of the woman to be delicate and easily shattered as mentioned in lecture. Therefore, implying the inability of woman to fully take care of herself and requesting dependence upon the man for strength.
Ogo Olele
I say to such women: Write!
Fanny Fern's advice to women who want to keep-off inanition and not become mentally annihilated in "Folly as it Flies" is to: Write! Women bound by "a woman's sphere is home" devote little time to the replenishing of their bodies, souls and minds. Women, often busy with diverse labor intense tasks in the household and in tending the needs for many others, forget to leave some time to devote to themselves and replenish their physical, mental and spiritual energy. This is needed to continue with their lives and if not done it makes women's lives much shorter. Fern advises women to take care of themselves even if no one else will, in order to continue to be alive to take care of others. Women should devote some time to themselves by reading and/or writing. Fern's offers women other practical advice to improve the quality of their lives: take time to rest when tired or sick, take at least 15 minutes everyday for a walk outside the home, go to church on Sunday, have less children, take time to get to know the children by talking to them. Fern must tell women to devote some time to the sustainment and development of their own self and mind because women are trained to think of all others before themselves.
John Bunyan
[Natalie Suárez]
John Bunyan is the author of Pilgrim’s Progress, an allegorical novel that had a tremendous influence on Louisa May Alcott; and as such, Pilgrim’s Progress is alluded to often in Little Women. In fact, Alcott prefaces Little Women with an excerpt from it. By aligning her novel to Bunyan’s instructional novel, one can infer that Alcott’s Little Women will also be an instructional novel of sorts, specifically for girls. In fact, in the very first chapter entitled “Playing Pilgrims,” the girls are prompted by their mother to play Pilgrim’s Progress, a ‘game’ they played as children. Each girl is to take on a ‘burden’ and work to overcome it. Marmee states:
We are never too old for this, my dear, because it is a play we are playing
all the time in one way or another. Our burdens are here, our road is
before us, and the longing for goodness and happiness is the guide that
leads us through many troubles and mistakes to the peace which is a true
Celestial City. Now, my little pilgrims, suppose you begin again, not in play,
in earnest, and see how far on you can get before father comes home. (13)
This is the first of many lessons given by Marmee to her girls. Alcott’s novel can be seen as intended to instruct girls on how to become good little women, using Bunyan’s Pilgrim’s Progress as a guide or model to do so. Overall, just like Bunyan’s novel, Little Women is full of lessons that are intended to instruct.
John Bunyan is the author of Pilgrim’s Progress, an allegorical novel that had a tremendous influence on Louisa May Alcott; and as such, Pilgrim’s Progress is alluded to often in Little Women. In fact, Alcott prefaces Little Women with an excerpt from it. By aligning her novel to Bunyan’s instructional novel, one can infer that Alcott’s Little Women will also be an instructional novel of sorts, specifically for girls. In fact, in the very first chapter entitled “Playing Pilgrims,” the girls are prompted by their mother to play Pilgrim’s Progress, a ‘game’ they played as children. Each girl is to take on a ‘burden’ and work to overcome it. Marmee states:
We are never too old for this, my dear, because it is a play we are playing
all the time in one way or another. Our burdens are here, our road is
before us, and the longing for goodness and happiness is the guide that
leads us through many troubles and mistakes to the peace which is a true
Celestial City. Now, my little pilgrims, suppose you begin again, not in play,
in earnest, and see how far on you can get before father comes home. (13)
This is the first of many lessons given by Marmee to her girls. Alcott’s novel can be seen as intended to instruct girls on how to become good little women, using Bunyan’s Pilgrim’s Progress as a guide or model to do so. Overall, just like Bunyan’s novel, Little Women is full of lessons that are intended to instruct.
"God-breathing Machines"
This is how Harriet Jacobs refers to how slaves are treated. They are treated as machines that are used for work. Even though they are created by God, meaning that they are humans, slaveowners view them as being less than human. Slave women are reduced to just their bodies; as a machine that is only good for making having babies, thus creating more slaves. Slaveowners believed that slaves could not feel any human emotion. They would never really get tired, or sad or hungry. They are only a piece of property.
Danielle Galante
Danielle Galante
“The pink cheeks which first won you may have faded
Magda Pena
“The pink cheeks which first won you may have faded, but remember that it was in your service, when you quietly accept the fact that ‘you have left your wife far behind you in mental improvement.’” Pg 68
This quote comes from Fanny Fern. Here Fanny is reminding the male in a marriage to take into account that his wives beauty might have faded away, but it has faded because she has worked so hard to keep a home and take care of all his needs. Men only consider a woman’s beauty when selecting a wife, but they need stop to think if this beautiful, sensitive woman will be able to cook, clean, wash and do all the things that he requires from her for a happy marriage.
Men lose interest in their wives and fanny says that these men just accept the fact that their women are not as cultured as they are. It is not their wives fault it is their fault for not being able to understand their wives plight and help them by educating them to keep their marriage going. Basically men have to take realize that they chose a beautiful wife above a hardworking wife and they cannot blame anyone but themselves.
“The pink cheeks which first won you may have faded, but remember that it was in your service, when you quietly accept the fact that ‘you have left your wife far behind you in mental improvement.’” Pg 68
This quote comes from Fanny Fern. Here Fanny is reminding the male in a marriage to take into account that his wives beauty might have faded away, but it has faded because she has worked so hard to keep a home and take care of all his needs. Men only consider a woman’s beauty when selecting a wife, but they need stop to think if this beautiful, sensitive woman will be able to cook, clean, wash and do all the things that he requires from her for a happy marriage.
Men lose interest in their wives and fanny says that these men just accept the fact that their women are not as cultured as they are. It is not their wives fault it is their fault for not being able to understand their wives plight and help them by educating them to keep their marriage going. Basically men have to take realize that they chose a beautiful wife above a hardworking wife and they cannot blame anyone but themselves.
Saturday, October 27, 2007
“I wish it was easy for me to do little things to please people, as it is for you. I think of them, but it takes too much time to do them"
[Magda Pena]
“I wish it was easy for me to do little things to please people, as it is for you. I think of them, but it takes too much time to do them; so I wait for a chance to confer a big favor, and let the small ones slip; but they tell best in the end, I guess.” Pg. 285
This quote comes from Little Women Jo and Amy went on calls to peoples homes. Jo behaves badly according to Amy and embarrasses her at every house. Amy is very concerned with being “agreeable” to other people. Jo prefers to let little favors slide and do more important favors that really count.
Here Jo seems to be praising Amy for being able to please people. She tells Amy that she wishes she could do little things to please people. In reality Jo is slightly making her actions seem more honest and important than Amy’s. Jo doesn’t pretend to like someone and isn’t afraid to let people know. Jo is more willing to do larger favors and she believes that those favors are more important in the end because people appreciate them more. So in a way she is putting down Amy’s sort of hypocrisy because she is agreeable with people to look good in front of them and Amy believes that this is the only way she can please people because she is poor. Jo doesn’t allow her poverty to be something that stifles her personality like Amy.
“I wish it was easy for me to do little things to please people, as it is for you. I think of them, but it takes too much time to do them; so I wait for a chance to confer a big favor, and let the small ones slip; but they tell best in the end, I guess.” Pg. 285
This quote comes from Little Women Jo and Amy went on calls to peoples homes. Jo behaves badly according to Amy and embarrasses her at every house. Amy is very concerned with being “agreeable” to other people. Jo prefers to let little favors slide and do more important favors that really count.
Here Jo seems to be praising Amy for being able to please people. She tells Amy that she wishes she could do little things to please people. In reality Jo is slightly making her actions seem more honest and important than Amy’s. Jo doesn’t pretend to like someone and isn’t afraid to let people know. Jo is more willing to do larger favors and she believes that those favors are more important in the end because people appreciate them more. So in a way she is putting down Amy’s sort of hypocrisy because she is agreeable with people to look good in front of them and Amy believes that this is the only way she can please people because she is poor. Jo doesn’t allow her poverty to be something that stifles her personality like Amy.
Black Jeremiad
In the discussion of Maria Steward ( first black woman writer and first woman political speaker) we find that her writing can be classified according to the model Black Jeremiad
The characteristics of this model include:
i) citing the promise of equality
ii) criticism of the present situation and its failure to live upto the promise
iii) society will redeem the promise
Steward's writing whose audience incudes white and black women, mothers and daughters as well as humanitarianists and God gives voice to her political ideas using a number of forms and a continualy changing tone.
The forms she uses include an oratorical manner of writing, the I- conversion narrative, rhetorcial questions, testimonies and autobiography. These techniques present to the reader a rich myriad of the problems that so many sections of society in particular women are facing and the struggle that must be undertaken to make a positive difference in this situation.
- Dione Joseph
The characteristics of this model include:
i) citing the promise of equality
ii) criticism of the present situation and its failure to live upto the promise
iii) society will redeem the promise
Steward's writing whose audience incudes white and black women, mothers and daughters as well as humanitarianists and God gives voice to her political ideas using a number of forms and a continualy changing tone.
The forms she uses include an oratorical manner of writing, the I- conversion narrative, rhetorcial questions, testimonies and autobiography. These techniques present to the reader a rich myriad of the problems that so many sections of society in particular women are facing and the struggle that must be undertaken to make a positive difference in this situation.
- Dione Joseph
Sisterhood of women
In her book "Incidents in the Life of a Slave girl" Jacobs uses this term in relation to the damage that slavery does to women in general who come into contact with it.
The primary recepients are of course the slave women who soon find themselves at the mercy of their masters ( as in the case of Dr. Flint who wishes to enter into concubinage with Linda ) and those who rebel against this behaviour find themselves and/or their children in very difficult positions.
However the southern wives are too susuceptible to the damage that slavery has the power to cause. As in the case of Mrs. Flint she is mortified at the fact that her husband has seduced Linda for it not only shamefully reflects upon an unhappy and unsatisfactory relationship but also it reduces her to the same position as Linda - that of a baby producing machine. She too in turn has been objectified as a body. Thus slavery has repercussions that affect not just the slave women who are the direct receipents of their masters' physical desire but it also taints the relationship that all women share as sisters.
-Dione Joseph
The primary recepients are of course the slave women who soon find themselves at the mercy of their masters ( as in the case of Dr. Flint who wishes to enter into concubinage with Linda ) and those who rebel against this behaviour find themselves and/or their children in very difficult positions.
However the southern wives are too susuceptible to the damage that slavery has the power to cause. As in the case of Mrs. Flint she is mortified at the fact that her husband has seduced Linda for it not only shamefully reflects upon an unhappy and unsatisfactory relationship but also it reduces her to the same position as Linda - that of a baby producing machine. She too in turn has been objectified as a body. Thus slavery has repercussions that affect not just the slave women who are the direct receipents of their masters' physical desire but it also taints the relationship that all women share as sisters.
-Dione Joseph
chattel
This term is used by Jacobs in "Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl" and carries with it an assortment of implications. In the first instance the term was used to refer to cattle however very soon it began to used increasingly for slaves. In the first instance the implication was to suggest that slaves were to be treated as "property" without any rights whatsoever ( as Dr. Flint so eloquently points in reference to the $300 which Linda's grandmother lent her mistress).
Secondly and perhaps more importantly it also attributed to slaves the same status as that of cattle i.e devoid of any feeling. Thus slaves could be tretaed with extreme cruelty, forced into submission and generally be thought of as objects because they were no more than the cattle that their masters owned.
This is in turn also leads to another consequence which is the hindering of intellectual development as a result of this treatment. Denied the right to education, slaves were forced to continue in a vicious cycle where they were separated from their children, had no power in any sphere and looked forward to each new day with dread for like cattle - it may very well be their last.
- Dione Joseph
Secondly and perhaps more importantly it also attributed to slaves the same status as that of cattle i.e devoid of any feeling. Thus slaves could be tretaed with extreme cruelty, forced into submission and generally be thought of as objects because they were no more than the cattle that their masters owned.
This is in turn also leads to another consequence which is the hindering of intellectual development as a result of this treatment. Denied the right to education, slaves were forced to continue in a vicious cycle where they were separated from their children, had no power in any sphere and looked forward to each new day with dread for like cattle - it may very well be their last.
- Dione Joseph
Tin Kitchen
In Lousia Alcott's book " Little Women" Jo finds the space to realize her literary ambitions in the form of the tin kitchen. This instrument, essentially a symbol of domesticity is transformed into a literary tool in the attic where Jo reigns supreme in her imaginary world.
The attic is a space where Jo escapes from her household cares and finds freedom in creating new worlds where mundane things like dishcloths and brooms have no place. Yet it is ironical because despite all her attempts to struggle against the domestic sphere she is forced to use an old "tin kitchen" as the means to which she can persue her literary end.
By comparing this space - the attic dominated by the tin kitchen and Jo in a black pinafor with a red bow on her head to the space she occupies at Mrs. Kirks in New York, Alcott enables us to appreciate the growth that Jo undergoes from writing juvenille literature in her tiny secret space in the attic to spreading her wings and finding a greater physical freedom in New York where she delves into an altogether different form of writing - namely sensational literature.
- Dione Joseph
The attic is a space where Jo escapes from her household cares and finds freedom in creating new worlds where mundane things like dishcloths and brooms have no place. Yet it is ironical because despite all her attempts to struggle against the domestic sphere she is forced to use an old "tin kitchen" as the means to which she can persue her literary end.
By comparing this space - the attic dominated by the tin kitchen and Jo in a black pinafor with a red bow on her head to the space she occupies at Mrs. Kirks in New York, Alcott enables us to appreciate the growth that Jo undergoes from writing juvenille literature in her tiny secret space in the attic to spreading her wings and finding a greater physical freedom in New York where she delves into an altogether different form of writing - namely sensational literature.
- Dione Joseph
Thursday, October 25, 2007
“the centres of our household commonwealth, and the trainers of the nation’s children”
[this post is available]
Prescriptive literature
Prescriptive texts were one of the forms of literature that middle class white women would read. They usually were in the forms of moral pamphlets, manuals and magazines. These texts would tell thee women what it meant to be a good housewife and mother. It taught them how to be more domestic. This stems from the idea that women are the ones who teach their children morals and values. It is these values that lead these children to be good men and women, thus leading to a better society. Women became the main comsumers of these books, and thus increased sales for authors by spreading the word about these books.
Danielle Galante
Danielle Galante
Fugitive Slave Act
This act is mentioned in the Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl.
What?
The Fugitive Slave Act is a law that was established to prevent people from helping the runaway slave.
Significance
- Because of this law the white people started to sell fugitive slaves from North to the South.
- Most slaves were kidnapped and re sold.
- Made very difficult for slaves to run away from their owners.
- As a result of this law Linda became more vulnerable; if a white man were to identify her as a runaway slave they could have sold her to anyone without any mercy.
Sewwandi Abeyratne
What?
The Fugitive Slave Act is a law that was established to prevent people from helping the runaway slave.
Significance
- Because of this law the white people started to sell fugitive slaves from North to the South.
- Most slaves were kidnapped and re sold.
- Made very difficult for slaves to run away from their owners.
- As a result of this law Linda became more vulnerable; if a white man were to identify her as a runaway slave they could have sold her to anyone without any mercy.
Sewwandi Abeyratne
Bildungsroman
The Bildungsroman is a novel (roman) that is meant to be a portrait (bildungs). This portrait should mold and shape those who read it, teaching them to follow the moral example the novel puts forth. Little Women is an example of this; Louisa May Alcott includes literal ‘portraits’ of the women gathered together, as in the opening scene where the girls gather around Marmee to read their father’s letter. These warm images of familial and feminine harmony are put forth as an example for the readers to follow, as are the characters’ lives. The book “Pilgrim’s Progress” plays a large part in Little Women’s being a Bildungsroman—the girls each receive one for Christmas as the novel opens, and frequently refer to it as they grow and mature spiritually.
--Emily Page
La sage femme
In Little Women, Louisa May Alcott positions the character of Marmee as “la sage femme” or wise woman. The term literally refers to the image of a midwife who would assist both in births and deaths. In the novel Marmee guides the girls through the transition from adolescence to womanhood through oral stories. Marmee’s role as the advisor and match maker in the absence of a constant father figure within the family endows her with an amount of power. Other characters' treatment and opinion of her reflects her superior guidance and wisdom. Marmee's ability to know things before they happen, especially with the girl's romantic developements, suggest her affinity with this image- positioning her as the advisor.
--Megan Costello
--Megan Costello
“don’t be dead”
Just don’t be dead – Sewwandi Abeyratne
This is found in Fanny Fern’s Folly as it Flies, “Women and their Discontents”
Fanny fern is telling her readers that the women in 1868s lead harsh lives. They had to bare children as many as their husbands wanted. They had to attend their family need and then make sure her husband’s needs are met. They had to make sure her children are physically and mental brought up according to the social standards. Women during that century died sooner than their children because there’s so much was expected of them. Fanny is simply being sarcastic about the women in that era, telling them do all the work that the society expected of you but just don’t be dead.
This is found in Fanny Fern’s Folly as it Flies, “Women and their Discontents”
Fanny fern is telling her readers that the women in 1868s lead harsh lives. They had to bare children as many as their husbands wanted. They had to attend their family need and then make sure her husband’s needs are met. They had to make sure her children are physically and mental brought up according to the social standards. Women during that century died sooner than their children because there’s so much was expected of them. Fanny is simply being sarcastic about the women in that era, telling them do all the work that the society expected of you but just don’t be dead.
“put your foot in it”
Megan Callaway
This ID is from Fanny Fern's "Women and their Discontents". She is addressing the man who has begun to compare women with his grandmother. She uses the term "put your foot in it" to symbolize stepping in something foul on the street. This means the equivalent of putting your foot in your mouth, or saying something you really shouldn't have. Fanny Fern uses this confrontation in the beginning of "Women and their Discontents" to show one of the biggest mistakes men make in marriage, which is to compare their wife, and inherently make her feel inferior. She also goes on to say that by holding your wife by these standards you set unrealistic and unreasonable expectations for the woman you have chosen for characteristics irrelevant to hard labor.
This ID is from Fanny Fern's "Women and their Discontents". She is addressing the man who has begun to compare women with his grandmother. She uses the term "put your foot in it" to symbolize stepping in something foul on the street. This means the equivalent of putting your foot in your mouth, or saying something you really shouldn't have. Fanny Fern uses this confrontation in the beginning of "Women and their Discontents" to show one of the biggest mistakes men make in marriage, which is to compare their wife, and inherently make her feel inferior. She also goes on to say that by holding your wife by these standards you set unrealistic and unreasonable expectations for the woman you have chosen for characteristics irrelevant to hard labor.
“mechanical ingenuity”
This passage is from Hale’s Manners.
She introduces this concept in “Men and Women” on page 33 of the reader. This section of her writing deals with the different roles of men and women; specifically, Hale believes men were given “mechanical ingenuity”- the ability to discover the natural laws of science, and apply these to their own inventions and constructions. However, Hale explains that this has not truly helped mankind. On the contrary, “we are slow to learn that the real progress of humanity must have its root in moral goodness.” Hale then explains that this task of providing an environment conducive to morality is the responsibility of women, a task "superior to mechanical invention".
-Jacob Erickson
She introduces this concept in “Men and Women” on page 33 of the reader. This section of her writing deals with the different roles of men and women; specifically, Hale believes men were given “mechanical ingenuity”- the ability to discover the natural laws of science, and apply these to their own inventions and constructions. However, Hale explains that this has not truly helped mankind. On the contrary, “we are slow to learn that the real progress of humanity must have its root in moral goodness.” Hale then explains that this task of providing an environment conducive to morality is the responsibility of women, a task "superior to mechanical invention".
-Jacob Erickson
Doctrine of separate spheres
The Doctrine of Separate Spheres refers to the belief that, proverbially, “the woman’s place is in the home,” and the man’s place is in the workforce earning money for the household and providing for his family. Sarah Josepha Hale adhered to this doctrine, believing it was the only area where women could excel, therefore the area where they rightly belonged. Hale was a progressive when it came to education, however, but the colleges she founded/help found were those offering an education mostly centered on domestic science.
The Doctrine of Separate Spheres is linked with the idea of Republican Motherhood—in that ideal the mother is responsible for the morality of her family, her own ‘republic.’ This puts a more positive, less limiting spin on Separate Spheres by making the home the most important sphere of all.
--Emily Page
“a price above rubies”
This is a Biblical reference made by Sarah Josepha Hale in Marriages. It asks “Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies.” According to the Bible, this woman will be the ideal wife. The phrases emphasizes that a woman is supposed to be good and act as an emblem of kindness, for this will make her valuable to a man. Hale uses the Biblical passage to argue that a woman’s place is in the home, and that she should be appreciated by her husband and children for her goodness. Hale also focuses on women as the preservers of virtue and the teachers of morality within a family setting.
Rebecca Fleenor
Rebecca Fleenor
“all women are made to be married”
All women are made to be married
This is mentioned in the article called “Marriage”
This is an idea of Sarah Josepha Hale. It is also known as the Axiom.
She believes with marriage women become whole and getting married is a Nobel deed.
She says women’s destiny is marriage.
According to Sarah Josepha Hale her place of honor and happiness is at home and in order for you to create it women needs to get married.
Sewwandi Abeyratne ( andy)
This is mentioned in the article called “Marriage”
This is an idea of Sarah Josepha Hale. It is also known as the Axiom.
She believes with marriage women become whole and getting married is a Nobel deed.
She says women’s destiny is marriage.
According to Sarah Josepha Hale her place of honor and happiness is at home and in order for you to create it women needs to get married.
Sewwandi Abeyratne ( andy)
“every household is a little republic in itself”
Megan Callaway
This ID is from Sarah Josepha Hale's "The Glorious Fourth; or, the Home Life of the Nation". This refers to Hale's belief that "united households" make up a nation. She says that the mother and father have duties and responsibilities that make up the leaders of the family and the children must obey and contribute what they can, depending on their age. The wife and husband, although both leaders, have jobs in the family which are "prescribed by nature itself". This means that the woman controls the domestic portion of the home, while the man goes to work. With this arrangment in every household, little republics are formed to constitute a functioning moral nation.
This ID is from Sarah Josepha Hale's "The Glorious Fourth; or, the Home Life of the Nation". This refers to Hale's belief that "united households" make up a nation. She says that the mother and father have duties and responsibilities that make up the leaders of the family and the children must obey and contribute what they can, depending on their age. The wife and husband, although both leaders, have jobs in the family which are "prescribed by nature itself". This means that the woman controls the domestic portion of the home, while the man goes to work. With this arrangment in every household, little republics are formed to constitute a functioning moral nation.
Conduct manual
Manner’s written by Sarah Josepha Hale is a conduct manual. Dictating in detail what a real American woman is and how they should act. (From dinner parties, to holidays, to a simple conversation.) Hale’s writings have instructions on appropriate etiquette, organization, and philosophy. The concept of the domestic sphere and the cult of domesticity sprout from this manual. Manners define the role of women in the household and their universal value for the betterment of society.
Lleana Contreras
Lleana Contreras
Cylindrical press
Correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe a cylindrical press is like a printing press in the shape of a cylinder, as opposed to the previous, and I'm assuming flat, press. The invention of the cylindrical press greatly sped up the printing process, as papers could be fed through the machine one after the other, and didn't require the press operator to reset the letters after each copy.
-Rebecca Cuffley
Section 1C
-Rebecca Cuffley
Section 1C
Moral reform societies
The topic of moral reform societies was introduced to us during lecture. They consisted mainly of middle class women who were interested in benevolence and charity. They also tended to be housebound, heavily religious, and involved in a variety of volunteer functions. Their interests in reading were in the Bible or prescriptive texts such as moral pamphlets, housewife manuals/magazines, collections of sermons, sentimental fictions, conversions, confessions, conversion narratives, short stories, and more. Because of a rapid growth of audience, these groups generated a fabulous publicity network of reasonably witty women. They intended to direct such subjects at women who were immoral, fallen, or in vulnerable positions such as prostitution. This also perpetuated economy because women became consumers of literature and goods. Not only would women begin to have an interest in reading, they would also write. We wouldn’t be here if women weren’t writing. Thus, women getting involved amongst each other and within their communities raised awareness while educating themselves at the same time.
[Wendy Tu]
[Wendy Tu]
The New York Ledger
Robert Bonner began the New York Ledger in 1855. It was a weekly newspaper that generated over 1.5 million readers. Since the paper's audience was largely female, the articles covered topics ranging from marriage, love, and babies. Writers contributed works of poetry, short fiction, and fashion advice. Fanny Fern was one of The New York Ledger's famous paid columnists.
- Grace Kang
- Grace Kang
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
"a book of fairy tales"
Your entries on this blog should contain three elements:
(1) source - where does the quote or term come from (might be an essay, a novel, an autobiography, the chronology, or lecture)
(2) what does it describe - literally.
(3) significance - connect this item to the work it comes from in terms of its significance to plot, theme or structure. connect also to larger themes discussed in the course.
You are not being asked to compose a finished ID for each item, but rather to identify the information and connections that you could use to build a successful ID.
This exercise is intended to facilitate cooperation between section members and to help you study effectively for the midterm. I will read them over to see what you've done, but will not be checking for accuracy. Please respect your classmates by double-checking your information. If you are unsure of something, make a note of that in your post. Use the comment feature to suggest changes or additions to posts you think may be inaccurate or incomplete, or to request clarification. The terms I have posted here are to get you started and NOT a comprehensive list of every term that could appear on the midterm, so help each other out and post additional terms and passages from your lecture notes.
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source: Alcott's Little Women
what: Jo's collection of her own fairy tales, which Amy burns
significance:
- fairy tales' figuring of women's role in romance plot - beautiful damsel perhaps persecuted by other women (stepmother), heroine helpless but rescued by prince charming - influences the way we imagine female happiness
- for thinking about Amy - shows her spite and disappointment at being left out of the adult world. She destroys the book but ironically fulfills the fairy tale dream in her marriage to Laurie (young, handsome, wealthy)
- trial of Jo's temper (which she considers to be her primary defect)
Jo "confesses" to Marmee who councils her in how to restrain her temper
- Jo's continued literary production testifies to perserverence dispite initial setback
- the youthful fairy tales suggestive re: Jo's romantic aspirations and literary ambitions, so this episode may foreshadow Jo's rejection of youthful fancy's fairy tale version of life. Perhaps Jo trades them in for a more mature version in her marriage to Mr. Bhaer (also associated with fairy tales).
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compare to Prof. Rowe's example of a complete ID entry for this prompt:
In Alcott's Little Women the heroine Jo reacts angrily after discovering that her younger sister Amy has, out of spite and disappointment, burnt her treasured collection of fairy tales. Not only does this betray Amy's childish malice at being left out of the adult world, which includes a play, but it also generates the severest trial of Jo's primary defect, her temper. Understandably, Jo resents the destruction of her writing, the youthful fairy tales that tell so much of her romantic aspirations and her literary ambitions. But she learns the values of patience and forgivenes when she "confesses" to Mermee, who tutors daughter Jo in the restraint of temper. Never entirely "temporized," owever, Jo cannot fully supress her individuality and her outspokenness, and her literary creations are a testament to her perserverance despite the initial setback. But the episode may also foreshadow the route that Jo will travel, either in rejecting the fiary tale version of life that youthful fancies create, or perhaps in trading the vision in for a more matur, final marriage to the prince of her dreams, Mr. Bhaer. Amy, ironically, fulfills the very dream she almost destroys, the "fairy tale" marriage to the young, handsome, and wealthy Laurie.
(1) source - where does the quote or term come from (might be an essay, a novel, an autobiography, the chronology, or lecture)
(2) what does it describe - literally.
(3) significance - connect this item to the work it comes from in terms of its significance to plot, theme or structure. connect also to larger themes discussed in the course.
You are not being asked to compose a finished ID for each item, but rather to identify the information and connections that you could use to build a successful ID.
This exercise is intended to facilitate cooperation between section members and to help you study effectively for the midterm. I will read them over to see what you've done, but will not be checking for accuracy. Please respect your classmates by double-checking your information. If you are unsure of something, make a note of that in your post. Use the comment feature to suggest changes or additions to posts you think may be inaccurate or incomplete, or to request clarification. The terms I have posted here are to get you started and NOT a comprehensive list of every term that could appear on the midterm, so help each other out and post additional terms and passages from your lecture notes.
--------------------------------------------------
source: Alcott's Little Women
what: Jo's collection of her own fairy tales, which Amy burns
significance:
- fairy tales' figuring of women's role in romance plot - beautiful damsel perhaps persecuted by other women (stepmother), heroine helpless but rescued by prince charming - influences the way we imagine female happiness
- for thinking about Amy - shows her spite and disappointment at being left out of the adult world. She destroys the book but ironically fulfills the fairy tale dream in her marriage to Laurie (young, handsome, wealthy)
- trial of Jo's temper (which she considers to be her primary defect)
Jo "confesses" to Marmee who councils her in how to restrain her temper
- Jo's continued literary production testifies to perserverence dispite initial setback
- the youthful fairy tales suggestive re: Jo's romantic aspirations and literary ambitions, so this episode may foreshadow Jo's rejection of youthful fancy's fairy tale version of life. Perhaps Jo trades them in for a more mature version in her marriage to Mr. Bhaer (also associated with fairy tales).
------------------------------------------------
compare to Prof. Rowe's example of a complete ID entry for this prompt:
In Alcott's Little Women the heroine Jo reacts angrily after discovering that her younger sister Amy has, out of spite and disappointment, burnt her treasured collection of fairy tales. Not only does this betray Amy's childish malice at being left out of the adult world, which includes a play, but it also generates the severest trial of Jo's primary defect, her temper. Understandably, Jo resents the destruction of her writing, the youthful fairy tales that tell so much of her romantic aspirations and her literary ambitions. But she learns the values of patience and forgivenes when she "confesses" to Mermee, who tutors daughter Jo in the restraint of temper. Never entirely "temporized," owever, Jo cannot fully supress her individuality and her outspokenness, and her literary creations are a testament to her perserverance despite the initial setback. But the episode may also foreshadow the route that Jo will travel, either in rejecting the fiary tale version of life that youthful fancies create, or perhaps in trading the vision in for a more matur, final marriage to the prince of her dreams, Mr. Bhaer. Amy, ironically, fulfills the very dream she almost destroys, the "fairy tale" marriage to the young, handsome, and wealthy Laurie.
"do not be mentally annihilated by it"
This quote comes from Fanny Fern's Folly As It Flies. Fanny believes that women in her era are expected to take on too many tasks, and they hardly have time for themselves. She credits the larger amount of women in insane asylums to these excessive duties. This particular quote comes about while Fanny berates husbands for not mentally stimulating their wives, and advocates any kind of writing for said wives as a way for them to continue to challenge themselves mentally. She does not want to see any more women mindlessly going through the tedium of life without any consideration for themselves. This quote is significant because in a way, Fanny is advocating higher education for women over women being bred only to dominate the household sphere.
-Rebecca Cuffley
Section 1C
-Rebecca Cuffley
Section 1C
"three instead of six, and I don't care if you do go and tell John"
Pamela Legge
This ID is referring to Fanny Fern's Folly as it Flies. Here Fern is referring to the number of children in the average household and the affect that has on the woman. Fern, referring to all men as "John", wishes that women would have less children so they would be able to have less stress in their lives, and be able to attend to their other children Thoroughly. Fern also shows how with such a large number of children in the household, a woman can not be expected to take care of the children, house, husband, and chores and not complain. With this simple line Fern is reflecting on the fact that by lessening the number of children in a household, women will be more happy in their homes and more content.
This ID is referring to Fanny Fern's Folly as it Flies. Here Fern is referring to the number of children in the average household and the affect that has on the woman. Fern, referring to all men as "John", wishes that women would have less children so they would be able to have less stress in their lives, and be able to attend to their other children Thoroughly. Fern also shows how with such a large number of children in the household, a woman can not be expected to take care of the children, house, husband, and chores and not complain. With this simple line Fern is reflecting on the fact that by lessening the number of children in a household, women will be more happy in their homes and more content.
"require no more from her, in the way of self-denial, than you are willing to endure yourself"
Pamela Legge
Fanny Fern is referring to a conversation she had with a clerk who is complaining that he only makes eight hundred dollars and yet is wife consistently goes out and buys extravagant cloths and material goods. Despite his complaints Fern blames the husband, noting the fact that he knew what kind of woman he was marrying and the value she put on material items. Fern goes on the explain to the husband that is he would explain the circumstances to his wife she would be more than understanding. However the husband also needs to look at what expenses he has that are unnecessary. Fern is explaining to the husband how if he is not willing to give up some of his material luxuries, he can not expect his wife to do the same. Once again promoting equality in the marriage, and simultaneously reminding men that they have to keep in mind what type of woman they are marrying. Not to marry a woman who is used to luxuries he can not provide, or a delicate woman and expect her to work on the farm. All of these facts are attempting to raise the awareness of the husbands of their part in their wives' unhappiness.
Fanny Fern is referring to a conversation she had with a clerk who is complaining that he only makes eight hundred dollars and yet is wife consistently goes out and buys extravagant cloths and material goods. Despite his complaints Fern blames the husband, noting the fact that he knew what kind of woman he was marrying and the value she put on material items. Fern goes on the explain to the husband that is he would explain the circumstances to his wife she would be more than understanding. However the husband also needs to look at what expenses he has that are unnecessary. Fern is explaining to the husband how if he is not willing to give up some of his material luxuries, he can not expect his wife to do the same. Once again promoting equality in the marriage, and simultaneously reminding men that they have to keep in mind what type of woman they are marrying. Not to marry a woman who is used to luxuries he can not provide, or a delicate woman and expect her to work on the farm. All of these facts are attempting to raise the awareness of the husbands of their part in their wives' unhappiness.
"Here I laid my finger on his lip"
In Fanny Fern’s essay Folly as it Flies, she begins to have a conversation with young gentleman who believes that women should perform their “duties” as wives and mothers without “constant complaint”. He compares modern day women to his grandmother, and before he could speak any further, Fern lays her finger on his lip. Fern is defending married women who are in need of praise from their husbands. She describes this comparison of the grandmother and wife as “discouraging,” because the wife is unable to find her own identity since she is expected to be like another woman. Throughout Fern’s essay she argues that women sacrifice their own lives in order to maintain a household. She also claims that men lack acknowledgment to their hard working wives and are unsatisfied if she is in short comings of achieving their high expectations.
Jenny Saenz
bluestockings
Fanny Fern provides for a new insight into the idea of women as "blue stockings." Essentially, a blue stocking is a woman writer. Yet, as women writers are often not deemed as being established, they are given forth the label and title of blue stocking. Thus, this idea to many consists of the notion of a household unable to hold together and function properly, as the woman, who should in every essence be performing the domestic duties, is frantically engaging herself in such an activity as writing, which is deemed unproductive, in a society that places high values on women being maternal, nurturing, etc. Yet, as exemplified within the text, Fern provides such an example in which the ideal of a blue stocking woman prevails over such pessimistic and down cast opinions of others. Indeed, the blue stocking woman is able to establish herself as a creative, artistic and intellectual woman, as well as a domestic character, who too can perform household chores, but also make a life/living for herself and her family outside that of the home roles.
Susan Tran
Susan Tran
cult of domesticity
The writings of Sarah Josepha Hale are the vivid example of what is referred to be the “cult of domesticity”. The appropriate behavior and attitudes women have to have in order to be a perfect wife and mother. The manual upholds the concept of women being the conscious inculcators to their families and the responsibility that women have in order to make a better America. Her writing are catered to the American and British women of its day. But has left a lasting imprint in American culture because it represents the mold in which women had to be crafted. Manners the “Idiot’s Guide of becoming a Lady” is the manual of its time. Lleana Contreras
"the study of the laws of health and of the healing art would harmonize with her feelings andher intuitive faculties"
This is from Sarah Josepha Hale's Manners; Or Happy Homes and Good Society. This quote describes Hale's belief that women are more emotional and nurturing, thus further education in the health care or service industries would be best suited for women. It is significant because Hale advocates women continuing their education, which is productive to the feminist agenda of letting women have the option to work outside of the home if she so chooses. It is counter-productive, however, because she pigeonholes women into the nurturing mother stereotype, and implies that women should not be allowed to do anything other than be subservient members of society.
-Rebecca Cuffley
Section 1C with Waldo
-Rebecca Cuffley
Section 1C with Waldo
"the centres of our household commonwealth, and the trainers of the nation's children"
This quote comes from Sara Josepha Hale's Manners; or, Happy Homes and Good Society. The quote as it stands in this ID references Hale's ideas about wives and mothers, who are the "teacher[s] and exemplar[s] from whom the future citizens of the Republic derive their first lessons in knowledge, manners and morals." The whole passage, though, deals with Hale's desire for seminary schools for women that teach them how to be better prepared to lead their households whenever they start them. This quote is significant because Hale identifies womens' roles as being the most important role in society, and because of this fact she wants women to be better educated and prepared for this responsibility.
-Rebecca Cuffley
Section 1 C
-Rebecca Cuffley
Section 1 C
"not coercive, but persuasive power"
“not coercive but persuasive power”
This quote refers to the discussion of the separate spheres of men and women in the seventh part of Manners by Sarah Josepha Hale. In this section, Hale discusses her opinions regarding women’s participation in government, which also subtly reflects her opinion of women’s position at home.
The statement “not coercive but persuasive power” basically means that women do not directly implement or enforce power—especially not in government—but that they simply influence such matters instead. This statement is not discouraging to women, however, in the way that Hale argues for it.
Hale argues that while women are not allowed to participate in government, women are predominantly powerful in government because such matters rely heavily on “moral power.” Earlier in the section, Hale sets up the standard that men are in charge of the material and industrial facet of life while women are in charge of the moral and spiritual. Therefore, since matters of government are predominantly moral ones, it is women’s influence that determines the decisions made by men in power.
This concept does not only ring true in matters of government, in Hale’s mind, but in matters of domesticity as well. If the men represent their wives in the public sphere, much of the values and morals implemented by the wives at home will affect the decisions made by the husband. Furthermore, the values and morals of the mother will be directly translated to those of the children, which they will take with them to their respective future spheres, whether they be male or female. All this is simply one facet of the concept of Republican Motherhood.
--Vida Djaghouri
Section 1B, with Ms. Johnson
This quote refers to the discussion of the separate spheres of men and women in the seventh part of Manners by Sarah Josepha Hale. In this section, Hale discusses her opinions regarding women’s participation in government, which also subtly reflects her opinion of women’s position at home.
The statement “not coercive but persuasive power” basically means that women do not directly implement or enforce power—especially not in government—but that they simply influence such matters instead. This statement is not discouraging to women, however, in the way that Hale argues for it.
Hale argues that while women are not allowed to participate in government, women are predominantly powerful in government because such matters rely heavily on “moral power.” Earlier in the section, Hale sets up the standard that men are in charge of the material and industrial facet of life while women are in charge of the moral and spiritual. Therefore, since matters of government are predominantly moral ones, it is women’s influence that determines the decisions made by men in power.
This concept does not only ring true in matters of government, in Hale’s mind, but in matters of domesticity as well. If the men represent their wives in the public sphere, much of the values and morals implemented by the wives at home will affect the decisions made by the husband. Furthermore, the values and morals of the mother will be directly translated to those of the children, which they will take with them to their respective future spheres, whether they be male or female. All this is simply one facet of the concept of Republican Motherhood.
--Vida Djaghouri
Section 1B, with Ms. Johnson
"her destiny is marriage and her place of honor and happiness is her home"
In Marriage, Hale refers to the common belief produced by men that a woman's noblest virtue is conveyed in the idea that her destiny is marriage, and her place of honor and happiness is in her home. Although not opposing such idea, Hale makes an argument of her own based on such idea, in which she believes that men and woman are consisted of equals in marriage. Thus, as equals, if a woman's most defining moment is in marriage, such thought and values should similarly be placed for men as well. As counterparts to each other, a marriage is only able to function if the two persons are able to act simultaneously, taking on chores and tasks in one area and vice versa. In doing so, there is an assurance of team work, in which together, the two become an even stronger bond when placed together, as opposed to working with and by one's self. As both possess different traits that constructs each individual's character, such differences does not hinder the relationship in marriage and family, but rather, acts as a larger variety of enjoyments.
Susan Tran
Susan Tran
"perfect condition of humanity"
Sarah Josepha Hale considered the “perfect condition of humanity” to be marriage in Manners. It was an axiom that all women were made to be married and that it was their destiny. Their roles were biologically determined. A woman is at her best at home or domestic life. If a woman is supposed to be married and that condition is the ultimate happiness, the man is involved in this blissful perfection as well. Hale refers to the Book of Genesis to support her idea that Adam was only good and perfect after God created Eve for him. She believes that this would apply to every married couple. Each spouse would be responsible for certain aspects of the marriage and therefore balance out the ways of sustaining it.
[Wendy Tu]
[Wendy Tu]
"I made a headling plunge. Pity me, and pardon me, O virtuous reader!"
[Samantha Sears]
This passage is from Harriet A. Jacobs' "Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl."
This passage occurs when Linda is readying herself to recount her relationship with Mr. Sands. She is pleading with the reader not to judge her solely because of this dishonorable part of her past and she beseeches the reader not to allow this part of her sexual history to discredit her entire story.
This passage is important because it indicates the part of Jacobs' life that she is most ashamed of. Jacobs was initially reluctant to write her story of slavery because she did not want to share this disgraceful part of her past with the world. Linda was not raped by her master; rather, she chose to become sexually involved with Mr. Sands in hopes of procuring her freedom and eventually the freedom of her children. The sexual relationship between her and Mr. Sands came entirely of her own volition. This shameful part of her past prohibits her from becoming a true heroine of slavery. She allowed herself to be objectified by the male sex and she used her body and her sexuality in an attempt to free herself. She essentially treated herself as a piece of sexual property by giving herself to Mr. Sands with the aim of ensuring her freedom.
This passage is from Harriet A. Jacobs' "Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl."
This passage occurs when Linda is readying herself to recount her relationship with Mr. Sands. She is pleading with the reader not to judge her solely because of this dishonorable part of her past and she beseeches the reader not to allow this part of her sexual history to discredit her entire story.
This passage is important because it indicates the part of Jacobs' life that she is most ashamed of. Jacobs was initially reluctant to write her story of slavery because she did not want to share this disgraceful part of her past with the world. Linda was not raped by her master; rather, she chose to become sexually involved with Mr. Sands in hopes of procuring her freedom and eventually the freedom of her children. The sexual relationship between her and Mr. Sands came entirely of her own volition. This shameful part of her past prohibits her from becoming a true heroine of slavery. She allowed herself to be objectified by the male sex and she used her body and her sexuality in an attempt to free herself. She essentially treated herself as a piece of sexual property by giving herself to Mr. Sands with the aim of ensuring her freedom.
"black woolen pinafore and a cap with a red bow"
[Samantha Sears]
This passage is from Louisa May Alcott's "Little Women."
The passage is describing Jo's writing attire when she isolates herself in her spot beneath the eaves of the house and writes fervently. The black pinafore is appropriate because it enables Jo to wipe her inky hands whenever necessary. The red bow indicates that she is feverishly writing. When the bow is standing upright it indicates that she is in the writing zone. When the cap is strewn onto the ground it indicates that she is frustrated and cannot be bothered.
The writing attire is significant because it is unlike the customary and acceptable attire of a young woman. In Jo's secluded writing space she is able to escape from the typical customs and expectations of women. She is able to separate herself from the world and she does not have to conform to acceptable societal standards of attire. These garments demonstrate the way in which she has been able to escape and subvert female expectations. This literary attire is a displacement/transformation of the usual apron. The attire is also significant because it underlines Jo's overwhelming desire to be unique and to shun the expected norms of society. Jo continually struggles with the expectations for young women and these garments in conjunction with her private writing place are one instance in which she is able to escape from the demands of proper womanhood.
This passage is from Louisa May Alcott's "Little Women."
The passage is describing Jo's writing attire when she isolates herself in her spot beneath the eaves of the house and writes fervently. The black pinafore is appropriate because it enables Jo to wipe her inky hands whenever necessary. The red bow indicates that she is feverishly writing. When the bow is standing upright it indicates that she is in the writing zone. When the cap is strewn onto the ground it indicates that she is frustrated and cannot be bothered.
The writing attire is significant because it is unlike the customary and acceptable attire of a young woman. In Jo's secluded writing space she is able to escape from the typical customs and expectations of women. She is able to separate herself from the world and she does not have to conform to acceptable societal standards of attire. These garments demonstrate the way in which she has been able to escape and subvert female expectations. This literary attire is a displacement/transformation of the usual apron. The attire is also significant because it underlines Jo's overwhelming desire to be unique and to shun the expected norms of society. Jo continually struggles with the expectations for young women and these garments in conjunction with her private writing place are one instance in which she is able to escape from the demands of proper womanhood.
a peephole
In Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl, the main protagonist, Linda Brent escapes from her slave master, Mr. Flint to an attic. The attic is substantially small, in which there is little room to move or even sit. Linda peers through a peephole, where she is able to glimpse her children. The peephole and the confined space significantly correlate with the plot’s theme of freedom. Although Linda suffers physically in the confined space, she contentedly chooses to remain in the attic. Similarly to her affair with Mr. Sands, making her own decisions exhibits freedom. As a result, her confinement in the cramped area is a form of psychological freedom.
Donald Ung
Donald Ung
silver candelabra
In Harriet A Jacobs’ Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl, Linda’s grandmother lends her mistress three hundred dollars to buy a silver candelabra. When her mistress passes away, Dr. Flint is “appointed executor,” therefore Linda’s grandmother inquires him about the borrowed money. He never repays the loan because he believes that property is prohibited to buy property. Linda’s grandmother is deceived because of her status of being a slave. She is only seen as an object, rather than a person. Also, her betrayal by Dr. Flint is parallel to the biblical representation of Christ being deceived by Judas for thirty pieces of silver. Linda also acknowledges the silver candelabra will be an heirloom for Dr. Flint’s family. The silver candelabra is a representation of society’s dependence on the hard labor of their slaves in order to gain profit, which is illustrated throughout the whole text.
Jenny SaenzPlumfield
Plumfield is the estate of Aunt Josephine March. “The house is big, and the furniture strong and plain (465).” There are dozens of rooms and a large orchard located on the grounds. The estate was feared by young boys due to the mistress who lived there. They eventually find themselves living in the house that they feared.
Aunt March is widowed and lives with her servants. Jo is also employed by Aunt March more so for her company. At Plumfield Jo is able to immerse with the library of books her uncle used to keep in his library. Jo is able to escape her reality and discover new worlds through reading. After Aunt March’s death, her estate was willed to Jo. This gave Jo and Bahaer the opportunity to open their very own boarding school for young boys.
Before Aunt March’s death, Amy spent a couple of months living with Aunt March. The stay proved critical to her development. With the help of Aunt March’s maids, Amy became pious over Beth’s sickness. She also became less materialistic even though see is bombarded with the finer things in life.
Kenny Wu
Aunt March is widowed and lives with her servants. Jo is also employed by Aunt March more so for her company. At Plumfield Jo is able to immerse with the library of books her uncle used to keep in his library. Jo is able to escape her reality and discover new worlds through reading. After Aunt March’s death, her estate was willed to Jo. This gave Jo and Bahaer the opportunity to open their very own boarding school for young boys.
Before Aunt March’s death, Amy spent a couple of months living with Aunt March. The stay proved critical to her development. With the help of Aunt March’s maids, Amy became pious over Beth’s sickness. She also became less materialistic even though see is bombarded with the finer things in life.
Kenny Wu
the Glorious Fourth and Washington's Birthday
Sarah Josepha Hale discusses the Glorious Fourth (the nation's birthday) in the context of rejoice and celebration of the past and present accomplishments of the country. However, the joyousness of this occasion extends beyond the political implications and into the realm of female empowerment as it presents an opportunity for women to exercise their abilities to mold the country's moral foundations. In establishing each household as a "republic in itself," women are to to regard themselves as the greater leaders of the country, as it is the household where the nation's current and future political leaders receive their moral teachings. In seeking to uphold her ideologies of a perfect country based upon a perfect household, Hale holds George Washington to be the embodiment of the ideal political leader in his morality and consequent leadership. In honor of Washington, Hale strongly advocated for the establishment of Mount Vernon as a memorial to George Washington, which greatly symbolized the extent to which she believed patriotism to be intertwined with motherhood and domesticity.
"a horn-comb, six hairs, and a figure resembling the letter C"
[Sara Eslami]
This is an image that Fanny Fern is trying to place into her readers heads of what women may become if they don't take time for themselves. The horned comb is possibly a sign of the past, of the fact that she was once pretty when she was given this. The loss of hair represents the loss of that beauty to tiredness. Lastly the letter "C" can mean many things. It can be an image of what will happen after years of bent labor, carrying kids and water, or it can represent care worn or child weary. The image is meant to persuade women to take time for themselves, walk for 15 minutes, or write so that this doesn't happen to them.
This is an image that Fanny Fern is trying to place into her readers heads of what women may become if they don't take time for themselves. The horned comb is possibly a sign of the past, of the fact that she was once pretty when she was given this. The loss of hair represents the loss of that beauty to tiredness. Lastly the letter "C" can mean many things. It can be an image of what will happen after years of bent labor, carrying kids and water, or it can represent care worn or child weary. The image is meant to persuade women to take time for themselves, walk for 15 minutes, or write so that this doesn't happen to them.
Mount Holyoke Seminary
Approximately 30 years after women began entering the mainstream workforce, and on the heels of the abolitionist movement, there was an increase in women's political and social awareness.Established in 1837, Mount Holyoke University was the first institute of higher learning for predominantly upper-class women. In efforts to raise the ensuing consciousness of women, such ideals were institutionalized, resulting in curriculum based upon bettering and diversifying the experience of womanhood in 17th century America. Women at Mount Holyoke Seminary read historical literature as well as sermons and studied math. Mount Holyoke Seminary also taught disciplines that advocated for the implementation of woman teachers in lower educational systems. In addition, students at Mount Holyoke read materials on the domestic sciences in order to run more efficient households. Furthermore, women who studied at Mount Holyoke were encouraged to become writers and gain education outside of the classroom.
~Pilar Whitaker
~Pilar Whitaker
dame schools
They were titled Dame Schools because they were often run by elderly women from their homes. They catered for the youngest of children, often from the poorest of families. Some of these schools also taught the pupils skills that would help them to find work when they were old enough, for example knitting or sewing. Whereas some teachers provided a good education, others were no more than child care.
-Merone
-Merone
evangelical religion
Mentioned during lecture, evangelical religion was a hierarchical religion during the 17th-19th century. God was considered as the Father and men as ministers and congregants were doing the work of God. He created Eve as the original sin. Thus, this belief placed women in the position of a househol and were to be moral mothers. They were viewed as susceptible to grace by Christ as man was but obtained no authority. The Second Great Awakening came about and stirred to support religious conversions. Women became the primary converts since they brought their families along with them.
[Wendy Tu]
[Wendy Tu]
mill girls
With the invention of the power loom in 1814, the number of spinning mills greatly increased. Many women left their domestic lives to work outside of the home. Mill girls did what they could to stay educated, by reading escapist literature, participate in circulating libraries, reading moral stories, and following religious newspapers.Some even attended Lyceum lectures to educate themselves. The Lowell Offering was a monthly magazine published by the writings of women and mill girls. All this education eventually led the mill girls to lead a large reform movement, petitioning for 10 hour work days. Unfortunately, many mill girls simply lost their jobs because cheap, alternative labor was also available.
Grace Kang
Grace Kang
female literacy
Female literacy was mentioned as a major historical event on the Chronology of American Literary History handout under the dates for 1820-1850. It was significant because it gave rise to the participation of women in education and the establishment of women’s colleges. The rise of literacy integrated women into the literary field because, literate women were able to write and be educated. It caused them to write educational manuals, housewife manuals, and novels. It also caused women to become teachers and spread their wisdom to the future generation of women. Literacy also meant that women were able to sign their names; this gave them a voice and an identity. The main idea of increasing female literacy was that it established a female audience among readers. The upper class was likely to be consumers of literature; so they would buy and read books.
Alene Tchekmedyian
Alene Tchekmedyian
birth control
[Sara Eslami]
In the 1800's there was a huge decline in the number of children per mother. From 7 to 3.5. At this time there was a limited amount of birth control methods some being abstinence and barrier methods. There was also an increase in childless marriages because men were going off to war and they would die before they had any children. This use of birth control and the increase in marriages without children had an impact on the lives of women because fewer children means more time available to spend outside of the home. The impact on literature was also significant because it gave women more time to write, although it had a higher impact on reading than it did on writing.
In the 1800's there was a huge decline in the number of children per mother. From 7 to 3.5. At this time there was a limited amount of birth control methods some being abstinence and barrier methods. There was also an increase in childless marriages because men were going off to war and they would die before they had any children. This use of birth control and the increase in marriages without children had an impact on the lives of women because fewer children means more time available to spend outside of the home. The impact on literature was also significant because it gave women more time to write, although it had a higher impact on reading than it did on writing.
The Lowell Offering
Despite their unjustly long workdays, the Lowell Mill girls still found time to organize their thoughts and voices in a monthly magazine called The Lowell Offering. Any mill girl or working woman was free to contribute works of poetry, short fiction, humor, or religious writing to the paper. Topics ranged anywhere from love, dreams, to the labor unrest that broke out during the later reform movement in which the mill girls fought for better working conditions and shorter, ten hour workdays. The Lowell Offering was written entirely by the working women themselves, but organized under Reverend Thomas. Later, in 1842, Harriot F. Curtis and Harriet Farley took over and became the editors of the magazine until it's end in 1845.
Grace Kang
Grace Kang
Mt. Vernon
Mt. Vernon was the home of George and Martha Washington. It is a historic landmark and is thought of by many to be the picture of American domesticity. One of these admirers of Mt. Vernon was Sarah Josepha Hale, who idolized George and Martha Washington and sang her praises of them in her conduct manual Manners. Hale considered George Washington to be “the great leader and exemplar of the American people,” and calls Mt. Vernon “the holiest place in uninspired history.”
Hale considered Martha Washington to be an ideal wife and partly why George Washington was able to be such a great man. She describes how Martha followed George to the frontlines during the Revolution. Of Martha’s presence during the war Hale said, “Her presence was his pleasure, her sympathy his support, next to faith in God. And in this faith the wife set the example as wives should; softening the man’s stern will by ever having on her tongue the ‘law of kindness.’” Hale credits George Washington as a hero that American women can be thankful for because he had the presence of a good mother, a good wife, and God in his life.
-Maksim Latman
Hale considered Martha Washington to be an ideal wife and partly why George Washington was able to be such a great man. She describes how Martha followed George to the frontlines during the Revolution. Of Martha’s presence during the war Hale said, “Her presence was his pleasure, her sympathy his support, next to faith in God. And in this faith the wife set the example as wives should; softening the man’s stern will by ever having on her tongue the ‘law of kindness.’” Hale credits George Washington as a hero that American women can be thankful for because he had the presence of a good mother, a good wife, and God in his life.
-Maksim Latman
republican motherhood
Republican motherhood is the concept in which women know and live by the values that America was built on and subsequently pass those values down to their children. These values include but are not limited to patriotism, philanthropy, respect, and a strong work ethic. The goal of republican motherhood is that mothers instill their children with these values and the children go on to become adults who demonstrate these values. In this way the republic sustains itself and is able to stand as long as there are republican mothers.
Republican motherhood is the basis of what Sarah Josepha hale preaches in Manners. Hale says that the welfare of the nation depends on the virtue and intelligence of its families. Hale places much of the responsibility of ensuring the welfare of the nation on women when she says, “She is the teacher and exemplar, from whom the future citizens of the Republic derive their first lessons in knowledge, manners, and morals.” Since women raise the politicians that run the country, Hale does not believe that women’s suffrage is necessary because they already have such a strong influence over political candidates.
An example of republican motherhood in a literary work is Mrs. March in Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women. While Mr. March is serving his country in the Civil War, Mrs. March stays home and makes sure the family continues to run, even without Mr. March’s presence. Mrs. March teaches her daughters to be smart, caring, and respectful. Through her many lessons, she teaches them how to be republican mothers themselves.
-Maksim Latman
Republican motherhood is the basis of what Sarah Josepha hale preaches in Manners. Hale says that the welfare of the nation depends on the virtue and intelligence of its families. Hale places much of the responsibility of ensuring the welfare of the nation on women when she says, “She is the teacher and exemplar, from whom the future citizens of the Republic derive their first lessons in knowledge, manners, and morals.” Since women raise the politicians that run the country, Hale does not believe that women’s suffrage is necessary because they already have such a strong influence over political candidates.
An example of republican motherhood in a literary work is Mrs. March in Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women. While Mr. March is serving his country in the Civil War, Mrs. March stays home and makes sure the family continues to run, even without Mr. March’s presence. Mrs. March teaches her daughters to be smart, caring, and respectful. Through her many lessons, she teaches them how to be republican mothers themselves.
-Maksim Latman
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
Alyssa Linn, Sec 1A
Godey's Lady's Book
Michelle Mastro
Godey’s Ladies Book is the domestic affairs magazine of which Sarah Josepha Hale edited for over forty years. Hale was the first female editor of a magazine, editing the Boston Ladies Magazine before she went on to edit for Godey. Hale was the first woman to make a career of editing publications, and despite turning 80 years of age; she would not stop working. This is really ironic because Hale never encouraged women to work, even though, she indeed worked for a living and might have even been considered a “blue-stocking” of sorts.
Sarah Josepha Hale was allowed to fully edit the magazine without rebuttal, deciding to exclude such controversial topics as slavery from the publication. This is just one more example of Hale's wearing rose-tinted glasses. For, Hale writes of how great the ideals and institution of marriage are in her work, Manners, often forgetting how other women during her time may not have had the same opportunities as she did: education and a good husband.
Godey’s Ladies Book is the domestic affairs magazine of which Sarah Josepha Hale edited for over forty years. Hale was the first female editor of a magazine, editing the Boston Ladies Magazine before she went on to edit for Godey. Hale was the first woman to make a career of editing publications, and despite turning 80 years of age; she would not stop working. This is really ironic because Hale never encouraged women to work, even though, she indeed worked for a living and might have even been considered a “blue-stocking” of sorts.
Sarah Josepha Hale was allowed to fully edit the magazine without rebuttal, deciding to exclude such controversial topics as slavery from the publication. This is just one more example of Hale's wearing rose-tinted glasses. For, Hale writes of how great the ideals and institution of marriage are in her work, Manners, often forgetting how other women during her time may not have had the same opportunities as she did: education and a good husband.
WCTU
WCTU—Women’s Christian Temperance Union-- founded in 1874, was a large grassroots organization that supported social reform. The groups main goal was to counter the effects of alcohol on the family, home, and society as a whole. They helped propel the suffrage movement by organizing leaders and informing women about politics. They also addressed other social issues such as labor, health, and prostitution.
Amber BoatengLowell Mills
The Lowell Mills came into existence in 1814 when the Power Loom was invented. These mills were the center of manufacturing, and gave young girls a respectable place to work outside of the home. The girls working the mills generally started at age 13-15 years old and lived in boarding houses when not working in the mills 14 hours a day, six days a week. The mills were important to American women because it gave them a sense of freedom, allowing them some education while away from home, and to make connections that could help them in the future. They created a subculture of mill girls, which gave young girls a chance to earn and spend their own money. This type of change was one of only many that allowed women more freedom, allowing for more education, and allowing for not only a more literate female population, but also an authoring female population. Out of the Lowell Mills came several novels about mill life and the mill girls, as well as pamphlets, papers, etc. Women had a new topic they could write on from experience.
Brittni King
Section 1A
Brittni King
Section 1A
subsistence economy
Subsistence economy is an economy in which self sufficiency, rather than wealth, is emphasized. Citizens work for things that are necessary, and spend money minimally. Since a subsistence economy doesn't build up surplus, the people count on the natural environment to continually provide for their daily needs.
- Grace Kang
- Grace Kang
power loom
The power loom was brought overseas because the United States started their industrial revolution later than England. The power looms allowed the faster production of textiles but required mills to be built, especially near places of bodies of water. Therefore, mills were built and they employed young girls between the ages of 13-15. Lowell spinning mills were prevalent in the North and attracted girls living on farms. The Lowell mills were accompanied with boarding houses which provided a protected environment with substitute "mothers." The girls' pay from their hard labor provided money for the family and their own leisurely desires. It allowed them to receive a better education and experience a new, unknown freedom. The mill girls also married later in life, produced fewer children, and married merchants from the reust of entering the labor force. Unfortunately, the mills included long fourteen hour work days and the acquisition of diseases caused by poor health conditions. This spurred reform movements to improve working conditions. Also, girls began producing and turning to types of "escapist" literature such as romance stories to relieve them from their difficult working environment. The mill life was very hard and tedious which provided another type of labor for young women.
"power of doing good in little things is a material aide in securing happiness of life"
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This quote is from Fanny Fern's, Fern Leaves from Fanny's Port-Folio. More speciically, it comes from her short story, Borrowed Light. These are examples of names used by female writers, in place of their own, when they sign their names on their published work. Fern mentions that it is a trend to use alliteration when choosing an alias, because that is all that seems to get published. Fern is urging women not to borrow ideas from other popular writers. She is telling women to be original and use their own ideas. Because, after all, it is obvious when writers are counterfeits. Fanny is also encouraging women to write, as a creative oulet. Also, this quote is possibly making fun of her own name, wich makes use of alliteration, and fits in with the list she gave us.