Oppression of women in 19th century

They have demanded their position in the community, openly exercising their rights, and thus are acknowledged as significant members in society. However, this was not the case a century ago. The period of the mid-nineteenth century until the dawn of the twentieth century witnessed a patriarchal male society and female dependence, with women struggling to attain social equality. Women were solely controlled by the society crafted by men and expected to act as a feminine ideal of that period.

Oppression of Women in 19th Century Literature Oppression of Women in 19th Century Literature 10 October Marriage Each story elaborates on the importance of social class in the 19th century, how women were presented in society, and how society trapped and defined them as individuals.

Therefore, many women fancied men who were of a high social class.

Maupassant mentions in the story that Mrs. Lantin and her mother were poor. In order to relieve her daughter of the burdens of poverty, Mrs. To some, image seemed like the most important characteristic one could have.

In the story, Mrs. Lantin wears precious stones and pearls when she attends the theatre Booth Her husband mentions how they do not have the means to afford such extravagant treasures, but his wife insists on wearing the jewelry in public anyway.

Lantin may be considered wealthy by the public because she wears precious stones. But in real life, her husband does not make enough to support the lavish image she gives off to others.

Kate Chopin

She continues to wear the jewelry out, portraying an image of wealth and well-being. Maupassant mentions in his story how it is unsightly for women to go out in public unaccompanied by their husband Booth Again, this establishes the unequal views towards women in the s.

If it was uncommon for a woman to travel alone, the idea of a woman supporting herself, or even deciding for herself would have been absurd. In a society where the public frowns upon the idea of female independence, many women were forced to hide any ideas or desires for change they may have had.

Here, they were treated even more poorly than when they were in the custody of their husbands. The fear of consequences silenced many women who may have desired something more than the typical lifestyle of a home maker.

A woman we can imply has stood faithfully by her husband and fulfilled her connubial duties throughout the years of their union. We can tell by her reactions that she cared deeply for him. In the midst of her grieving, Mrs. Mallard pictures the time that is to come, when she will be able to make all of her own decisions and will be given the freedom to live her life as she pleases.

Suddenly, she feels relieved more than she is upset. Chopin includes that Mrs. Mallard tried to fight off these ideas with her will Booth Her embraced feelings of independence could have been viewed as forbidden. Although she is excited by these thoughts, she tries to resist the pleasure she truly feels when she realizes the freedom that she has gained.

She attempted to hold back the overwhelming desires for her own life. Despite the faithfulness and love Mrs.

Emily Dickinson

Mallard showed for her husband, the extreme relief she felt in no longer having a marital obligation overpowered her feelings of sadness and loss. At the end of the story, Mrs. Mallard was so overwhelmed by her newly gained idea of independence, one can assume this joy is that of forbidden pleasure.

The story shows how it was wrong for women to desire independence from their husbands, regardless of they were treated.The nineteenth century often invokes flowery images of romanticism and heavily-embellished architecture.

By today's standards, it can also be seen as an oppressive era for women especially with regards to society, marriage, and the household.

Before the 20th century, women had no legal identity apart from their husbands’. The biological role of women, ‘to give birth to and take care of offspring’, was considered to be the main and only job of women. Christianity and Women – Roots of Oppression.

Share on Facebook. Tweet on Twitter What you may not know about is that even in the 21st century women are attacked for being “witches” by religious adherents.

The commemorative January-April “Heroines of American Freethought” issue focuses on 19th-century freethinking . Due to the substantial increase in the size, power, and prestige of the middle class, the 19th century became known as “the century of the middle class”(“Women in the Middle Class” 1).

An individual’s wealth contributed to how . The ideas of 19th century society sculpted lives of many women in ways that were not enjoyable, and rather served as a burden to the women who were indeed victimized in this time frame.

The way a woman presented herself in society strongly reflected her character. The oppression of woman is evident in the everyday life of a women living in the 19th century. This oppression was not only localized to their duties at home, but it .