Catharine Maria Sedgwick, "Old Maids" (1834)
As slaves must be trained for freedom, so women must be educated for usefulness, independence, and contentment in single life ... as a mode of life in which one may serve God and humanity, and thus educate the soul, the great purpose of this short life. So considered, single life would not long be regarded as either "helpless, joyless, or ridiculous," and that dreaded stigma, "old maid," would soon cease to be a stigma, and in the lapse of ages possibly become obsolete. (2:214)
Catharine Maria Sedgwick, Married or Single? (1857)
These two quotes come from a woman who remained single her whole life. Ironic? I would say so. Many woman writer of this time period have confused messages. People are never sure if they were trying to be sarcastic in what they wrote and were actually advocating feminism or if they were really trying to put woman in "their place". Wikipedia, although not the best of sources says, "In her later work, Married or Single, she put forth the bold idea that women should not marry if it meant they would lose their self-respect." But doesn't this sound contradicting to both the quotes from either of her books?
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1 comment:
No, I don't think so. I think she meant that while marriage is a great thing that can be good for ppl in love who respect each other, women should be strong enough to be alone if it is their choice or they can't find someone to love and respect them. I think the fact the messages were seperate doesn't change her overall meaning about marriage and self respect.
p.s. I love your blog topic.
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