It's shocking looking at the expectations of standards set for women in the 19th Century. As a woman in 2012, reading about the role of women in the 1800's it's almost unbelievable how powerless women were in the 1800's. Expected to be submissive and dependant, most women of this time were seen and not heard. Stripped of their rights, according ot the Decleration of Sediments, Women's confidence in their own power was destroyed, her self respect ws lesened, and she was made to live a dependant and abject life (Sediments 52). The submissiveness of the woman back in the 18th Century and now are considerably different. Women were expected to stay at home and men were bread winners as displayed in the story "Punishment" when Dukhriam was angry about not being able to come home to a hot meal made by his wife because his wife had no means of fixing it and brought it to his attention that it was his not bringing bread home that caused him to be in the predicament (Tagore 894). Womens place in the 18th Century was in the kitchen and bedroom. Though it has undoubtedly changed, there are remnants of these traditional ways lingering today. Women are working now, but cooking and cleaning are still looked at as women jobs. Men are still looked at as the provider and bread winners, and women look for these qualities in a man. No matter how far we've come as women, a little 18th century will show up as we continue to meet the needs of our mate.
I definately have to agree. Although we have come a very long way from where we use to be, women will always be expected to meet standards that were set way before we had any kind of rights. Since way back, women have had completely different roles and responsibilities to maintain than the men. We have seen this all throughout the semester. Even back when we read Tartuffe, it can be seen how the woman comes second in the household as far as decision making. Elmire knew that Tartuffe was a hypocrite, but Orgon wanted him to marry Mariane so that's how it was going to be. Orgon agrees to setting up Tartuffe but only after Elmire has to plead with him. "Enough. I'm tired. You'll see what you see. I'm not a liar, tthough I've been accused.(Moliere 182)" Although Elmire knew the truth, she had no say so because she was not the man of the house. Even though a woman will always be looked at with some of the same stereotypes that they have always had, thank goodness that the women now days are more independent and respected. Get it girls!
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