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. Tell me about the Beatles.
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 the societies described in "My Father Writes to My Mother," women were treated with strict traditional gender roles and were expected to behave in a submissive and obedient manner. They were confined to the domestic sphere and their primary purpose was to cater to the needs of their husbands and children. A quote that supports this analysis is when the narrator's father states, "You know how women in our society are expected to behave... It is important for a woman to be a good wife and mother, to prioritize her family above all else" (Text, p. 4). This quote highlights the societal expectations placed on women and emphasizes the importance of their roles within the family structure.
In coping with the conflicts they encountered, the women resorted to finding solace in their connections with each other. They formed an informal support system where they could confide in and seek advice from one another. The narrator's mother even mentions, "I have found solace in the company of the other women here.... They listen, offer words of comfort, and share similar experiences" (Text, p. 5). This quote demonstrates how the women relied on each other for emotional support and understanding in dealing with the challenges they faced.
When comparing and contrasting these observations with my own culture, there are both similarities and differences. In terms of similarities, traditional gender roles have also existed in my culture, with women often being expected to fulfill certain domestic responsibilities and prioritize their families. Additionally, forming supportive networks among women is also a common coping mechanism in my culture. However, one major difference is that in my culture, there has been a significant shift towards more gender equality and the recognition of women's rights. Women are now more empowered to pursue career opportunities outside the home and have a greater say in decision-making processes. This stark contrast highlights the progress that has been made in my culture towards a more gender-equitable society.