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.
Monday, October 29, 2007
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).
------------------------------------------------
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
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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.