Ok first let me slide this in here, I hate technology. I have been fighting with this blog for 20 hours now and had to reregister AGAIN. But, in light of it all, I am determined to be up with the tech age and submit my thoughts.
I did not mention or write about the first option about the “what if” in regards for women’s status in the Enlightenment period. I think that the roles giving and putting women in the cookie cutter of being in the kitchen set them up for greater later on. In the south we see our women in the family as monarchs of the entire family. Yes, they may have had a rough start in the beginning of the Enlightenment period, Gulliver said that they are weapons, “spreading vicious diseases” (Swift) In Candide, his lover had control over him otherwise he wouldn’t have been traveling and killing for her. Their role of being in the kitchen staying home and raising the kids is a lot better than the caveman days were women were more of an object and raped when ever men wanted. And in the Enlightenment period there developed family units. Now a days this role gives women the power over the family. “what momma says goes,” and “If momma ain’t happy no one is happy, “ these are saying that show that we as woman do hold a higher role. There was an unnecessary delay if the rise of female respect given.
Mayhap one has to truly understand the ulterior motive in the movements throughout the Enlightment Period. Women were not to play a higher role in society than men were, because of being thought of as emotional and irrational creatures. Hedda Gabler’s attitude and position shows the exact behavior that the men of the Enlightment Era detested and were trying to steer away from. Hedda exhibits the mannerism of a person who lives in the Romantic Era, everything is all about herself and she selfishly portrays the life of a spoiled woman that is used to having her way. Ibsen depicts the haughtiness of her character as Bertha the maid is talking to her former owner Miss Tesman about her new mistress and states “But Miss Juju, there’s another thing. I’m frightened Madam may not find me suitable” (1465). This statement directly shows that the maid is aware of her new mistress’ arrogant and objectionable airs and is not so sure that she can live up to Hedda’s standards.
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