Belittled Women

Further to my thoughts about books and babies and keeping house, I came across this sortie from an unlikely source: Louisa May Alcott, author of Little Women. This is from the less well-known Rose in Bloom, published in 1876. Unlike her better-known counterpart, Jo March, Rose proves you don't have to be a tomboy to seek something other and better than a pretty domesticity. 

“Phebe and I believe that it is as much a right and a duty for women to do something with their lives as for men, and we are not going to be satisfied with such frivolous parts as you give us," cried Rose with kindling eyes. "I mean what I say, and you cannot laugh me down. Would you be contented to be told to enjoy yourself for a little while, then marry and do nothing more till you die?" she added, turning to Archie. 

"Of course not, that is only a part of a man's life," he answered decidedly. 

"A very precious and lovely part, but not all," continued Rose. "Neither should it be for a woman, for we've got minds and souls as well as hearts; ambition and talents as well as beauty and accomplishments; and we want to live and learn as well as love and be loved. I'm sick of being told that is all a woman is fit for! I won't have anything to do with love till I prove that I am something besides a housekeeper and baby-tender!" 

Attagirl, Rose!