In My Father Writes to My Mother, think about what you learned about the role of women in the societies described in the selection.
In your first paragraph, fully explain how women were treated and how they were expected to behave.
Support your analysis with at least one correctly cited quote from the text. In your second paragraph, describe how the women coped with the conflicts they encountered.
Support your analysis with at least one correctly cited quote from the text.
Finally, in at least one complete paragraph compare and contrast these observations with your culture.
What aspects are the same and what aspects are different?
Again, support your comparisons and contrasts with evidence.
For this paragraph, anecdotal evidence is acceptable.
In "My Father Writes to My Mother," the role of women in the societies described reflects a traditional and patriarchal view of women's place in society. Women are expected to be subservient to men and perform duties associated with the domestic sphere. They are treated as lesser than men and their opinions and desires are often disregarded. This can be seen in the text when the character's father dismisses her mother's desire to travel and explore the world by saying, "A woman’s place is in the home, looking after her husband and children" (Text, p. 3). This quote illustrates the societal expectation for women to prioritize their roles as wives and mothers above their personal ambitions or desires. Women are also expected to maintain traditional gender roles, such as being modest and chaste. They are often judged and shamed for any behaviour that deviates from these expectations.
In coping with the conflicts they encounter, women in the text often find solace and support within their own circles. They rely on friendships and familial relationships to navigate the constraints placed upon them by society. For example, the character's mother seeks comfort from her own mother, who she writes to when feeling lonely and restricted. She confides in her mother, sharing her frustrations and longing for freedom. This support system helps women cope with their limited options and the restrictions placed upon them, providing them with emotional support in an otherwise oppressive environment.
Comparing and contrasting these observations with my own culture, there are both similarities and differences. In my culture, traditional gender roles and expectations also exist, although they may not be as overt or strictly enforced. Women are still expected to fulfill domestic duties and the pressure to prioritize family life is still present. However, women in my culture have more opportunities for education, work, and personal fulfillment compared to the societies described in the text. They have greater agency and freedom to make choices about their lives. Additionally, societal attitudes towards women are gradually shifting, with more emphasis on gender equality and challenging traditional gender roles. This is a stark contrast to the societies portrayed in the text, where women's roles are largely fixed and patriarchal values reign supreme.
Overall, "My Father Writes to My Mother" highlights the traditional and restrictive roles of women in the societies described. It illustrates the challenges women face in these environments and their coping mechanisms. Comparing these observations to my own culture emphasizes the progress made in terms of women's rights, yet also reveals that remnants of traditional gender roles still persist.