Opression and Freedom of Women in Literatu - 1662 Words

Oppression and Freedom of Women in Literature In the Nineteenth Century, women are viewed as inferiors to men. They are considered to be on the same level as children. Their role in society is that of housewives, child bearers and caretakers. However, women desperately needed more out of life and aspired to be like men. Throughout history women have fought for freedom and for society to view them as equals to men. Unfortunately, marriage in the Nineteenth Century is the only acceptable position for a woman. In Margaret Fuller’s book, Women in the Nineteenth Century, she describes the different types of marriages. The first type, the household partnership, is merely a convenience and a mutual dependence. The man is the provider†¦show more content†¦Her husband seems to treat her well and love her dearly. However, as well as his intentions are for his wife, he belittles her and treats her as a possession as oppose to a partner in life. â€Å"He said (she) was his darling and his comfort and all he had, an d that (she) must take care of (herself) for his sake, and keep well† (Gilman). He repeatedly refers to her as a child when he calls her â€Å"my darling† or â€Å"little girl† placing him above her. He assumes total control over his wife when they get to their summer home because he knows what is best for her, ignoring all of her comments and opinions. â€Å"It is so hard to talk with John about (her) case, because he is so wise, and because he loves (her) so† (Gilman). Little did he know it was his treatment that caused her to come to the conclusion that she was being repressed by him. In â€Å"The Story of an Hour,† the age difference between Mr. and Mrs. Mallard is evident that their marriage is loveless and one of convenience. â€Å"She was young, with a fair, calm face, whose lines bespoke repression and even a certain strength (Chopin)† whereas he has a â€Å"face that had never looked save with love upon her, fixed and gray† (Chopin). â€Å"She had loved him--sometimes. Often she had not† (Chopin). But her love for him is not the love expected between a husband and wife, it is more of a love that is shared with a companion. Louise did not make the