Analysis Of The Revolt Of Mother

674 Words2 Pages
bulb-icon

Recommended: American literature and women's status

The insights of Martha Cutter take on a very feminist point of view, especially in the criticism of “The Revolt of ‘Mother’” by Mary Wilkins Freeman. Sarah Penn, who is “Mother” in the story, embodies the common suppressed woman of the time. Cutter, author of “Frontiers of Language: Engendering Discourse in ‘The Revolt of “Mother,”’’ explains that Sarah Penn is living in a very patriarchal time (Cutter 279). There are many instances of this in the story for example; when father wants to build a new barn, he builds it. Mother on the other hand has wanted a new house for forty years and has yet to receive what she has been promised. “The Revolt of ‘Mother’” shows a voiceless woman’s defiance under the stronghold of her husband’s influence.
From this article one can take away that Sarah Penn is in a patriarchal environment that limits her ability to speak freely. Her methods in getting her point across are very unconventional for the time such as moving all of the family’s items from their home into the new barn with the intention of converting it into a home (Freeman 160). Another example of Sarah Penn living in an anti-feminist environment is when she continuously asks Father why he is building the barn. Father’s answer is repeated almost robotically as he states “I ain’t got nothin’ to say” (Freeman 156). According to Cutter, Sarah Penn is treated this way because women had such a low stance in the society they were living in that the animals were treated in a higher regard (Cutter 279). In Sarah Penn’s case, the cows were built a new barn before she was allowed a new house, which shows the blatant disregard for her status in the home.
The article is excellent in convincing one that “The Revolt of ‘Mother’” is a short story ...

... middle of paper ...

...the language and power, and to change this status would be difficult” (Cutter 285). This was a pre-determined role for women and to break out of such a strong stereotype takes a strong woman with a lot to say. Cutter also explains the only way for Sarah Penn to break out of this stereotype is to take her future into her own hands and to do this she must master the art of language.
This article gives one a lot to think about as far as patriarchy in the eighteen and nineteen hundreds and lack of feminism in that time. It explains how, once “locked out of language” (Cutter 285), it is nearly impossible to re-enter the speaking world and gain equality. The eloquently put feminist opinion of Sarah Penn’s ascent into recognition is a must read for those who are attempting to understand one of the most logical reasons as to why women are, at times, regarded as inferior.

Show More
Related

  • Marriage and Respect in "The Awakening" and "The Revolt of ‘Mother"

    840 Words  | 2 Pages

    The novel, The Awakening, and the short story, “The Revolt of ‘Mother,’” both stories have women that are not respected by their husbands. Both of the women, Edna Pontellier and Sarah Penn, have husbands who do not respect them, but they fight back in different ways. Their battles shows the differences between these two women from an earlier and less accepting time.

    Read More

  • Comparison of Daisy Miller and The Yellow Wallpaper

    1214 Words  | 3 Pages

    Society continually places restrictive standards on the female gender not only fifty years ago, but in today’s society as well. While many women have overcome many unfair prejudices and oppressions in the last fifty or so years, late nineteenth and early twentieth century women were forced to deal with a less understanding culture. In its various formulations, patriarchy posits men's traits and/or intentions as the cause of women's oppression. This way of thinking diverts attention from theorizing the social relations that place women in a disadvantageous position in every sphere of life and channels it towards men as the cause of women's oppression (Gimenez). Different people had many ways of voicing their opinions concerning gender inequalities amound women, including expressing their voices and opinions through their literature. By writing stories such as Daisy Miller and The Yellow Wallpaper, Charlotte Perkins Gilman and Henry James let readers understand and develop their own ideas on such a serious topic that took a major toll in American History. In this essay, I am going to compare Gilman’s “The Yellow Wallpaper” to James’ “Daisy Miller” as portraits of American women in peril and also the men that had a great influence.

    Read More

  • Characterization of Women in The Yellow Wallpaper and Desiree's Baby

    1311 Words  | 3 Pages

    The setting of both stories reinforces the notion of women's dependence on men. The late 1800's were a turbulent time for women's roles. The turn of the century brought about revolution, fueled by the energy and freedom of a new horizon…but it was still just around the bend. In this era, during which both short stories were published, members of the weaker sex were blatantly disregarded as individuals, who had minds that could think, and reason, and form valid opinions.

    Read More

  • Salem Witch Trials: Women’s Rights

    1160 Words  | 3 Pages

    During this time period women were not respected at all and were belittled by all med in their lives. Even though men don’t appreciate what women they still did as they were told. In particular, “Women have an astoundingly long list of responsibilities and duties – th...

    Read More

  • The Power of the Written Word: Literary Greats Paving the Way for Social Equality

    1276 Words  | 3 Pages

    Throughout history, women have struggled with, and fought against oppression. They have been held back and weighed down by the sexist ideas of a male dominated society which has controlled cultural, economic and political ideas and structure. During the mid-1800’s to early 1900’s women became more vocal and rebuked sexism and the role that had been defined for them. Fighting with the powerful written word, women sought a voice, equality amongst men and an identity outside of their family. In many literary writings, especially by women, during the mid-1800’s to early 1900’s, we see symbols of oppression and the search for gender equality in society. Writing based on their own experiences, had it not been for the works of Susan Glaspell, Kate Chopin, and similar feminist authors of their time, we may not have seen a reform movement to improve gender roles in a culture in which women had been overshadowed by men.

    Read More

  • Mary Wollstonecraft: The First Feminism

    121 Words  | 1 Pages

    Indisputably, Mary Wollstonecraft was one of the most influential figures of Enlightenment, also considered the ‘first feminist’. It is certain that her works and writing has influenced the lives of many women and altered the outlook of some societies on women, evolving rights of women a great deal from what they used to be in her time. It is clear that Wollstonecraft’s arguments and writing will remain applicable and relevant to societies for many years to come, as although there has been progression, there has not been a complete resolution. Once women receive so easily the freedom, rights and opportunities that men inherently possess, may we be able to say that Wollstonecraft has succeeded in vindicating the rights of women entirely.

    Read More

  • Internal And External Conflict In The Leaving By Budge Wilson

    427 Words  | 1 Pages

    Moreover, the mother faces the turning point of the whole journey when she courageously confronts her husband and finally voices out her opinion against being treated as more of a thing rather than a person. She reminds him that “[her] name… is Elizabeth” and should not be referred to as a mere “woman”, but being outrageous as he was, he yells at her to “shut [her] mouth” as she was trying to explain, and “[get his] supper”. Through the mother’s confrontation with her husband, the readers learn the importance of having the courage of speaking out what we believe is right despite of the outcome, instead of merely submitting in silence. Ultimately, numerous positive changes occurred once resolution to both the mother's external and internal conflict are addressed. Not only does “[the husband] often speaks to [the] mother as though she were more of a person and less of a thing”, but the mother also decides to “[teach] her two grandsons how to wash dishes and make

    Read More

  • Analysis of The Revolt of Mother

    1141 Words  | 3 Pages

    “The Revolt of ‘Mother’” by Mary Wilkins Freeman, was a story of a woman who lived in New England around or before the author’s time. The mother, Sarah Penn, was kept out of the families decisions by the father, Adoniram Penn, until one event that lead to her taking drastic actions while her husband was gone. There are many religious symbols and actions taken by “Mother” within the story. Through the story Sarah moved from a feeling of servitude to her husband, to a feeling that she was in servitude to the Lords will and this led her, in the end, to hold power over her husband.

    Read More

  • The Suppressed Voice

    1297 Words  | 3 Pages

    At some point in the late 1800’s or specifically, 1892 when “The Yellow Wallpaper” was published, a plethora of social campaigns pertaining to the liberty and legal rights of women arose. During the nineteenth century, the ‘Feminist Movement’ was extremely active and vigorous (1st Source). This was a major step because primarily, women’s’ roles included being wives and mothers and nothing more. The Feminist Movement was fighting for reforms on issues such as women’s suffrage, reproductive rights, sexual harassment, etc(2nd Source). Similarly, “Self-Expression” was a significant subject matter because women at that time were manipulated, required to be submissive and pious just like the character in the story. She was controlled, ordered around like a child, had her every move monitored and her ideas were always shut down. For example, after she told her husband, John she wanted to lea...

    Read More

  • Role Of Women In The Revolt Of Mother

    1060 Words  | 3 Pages

    Because of that the writer of fiction story characterized Mrs. Sara Penn as a patient, devout, hardworking and respectful mother and wife of a farmer in New England. Moreover, Mary Wilkins makes unblemished in her story “ The Revolt of ‘Mother’” that, the feminist thought of that leading role of the voiceless wife as respect mother of her kids, secondary and confinement citizen , and protagonist role of women.

    Read More

  • The Negative Impact of Gender Roles in Othello

    1061 Words  | 3 Pages

    Early Modern English." Feminist Studies 19.2 (1993): 377+. JSTOR. Feminist Studies Inc.,. Web. 11 Dec. 2013.

    Read More

  • Analysis Of Written At The Close Of Spring By Charlotte Smith

    1578 Words  | 4 Pages

    Throughout literature’s history, female authors have been widely recognized for their groundbreaking and eye-opening accounts of what it means to be a woman in society. In most cases of early literature, women are portrayed as weak and unintelligent characters who rely solely on their male counterparts. Also during this time period, it would be shocking to have women characters in some stories, especially since their purpose is only secondary to that of the male protagonist. But, in the late 17th to early 18th century, a crop of courageous women began publishing their works, beginning the literary feminist movement. Together, Aphra Behn, Charlotte Smith, Fanny Burney, and Mary Wollstonecraft challenge the status quo of what it means to be a woman during the time of the Restoration Era and give authors and essayists of the modern day, such as Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, a platform to become powerful, influential writers of the future.

    Read More

  • Sleeping Beauty: Feminist Critics

    1097 Words  | 3 Pages

    ...present powerful characters, while females represent unimportant characters. Unaware of the influence of society’s perception of the importance of sexes, literature and culture go unchanged. Although fairytales such as Sleeping Beauty produce charming entertainment for children, their remains a didactic message that lays hidden beneath the surface; teaching future generations to be submissive to the inequalities of their gender. Feminist critic the works of former literature, highlighting sexual discriminations, and broadcasting their own versions of former works, that paints a composite image of women’s oppression (Feminist Theory and Criticism). Women of the twenty-first century serge forward investigating, and highlighting the inequalities of their race in effort to organize a better social life for women of the future (Feminist Theory and Criticism).

    Read More

  • John Mills The Subjection Of Women Analysis

    1017 Words  | 3 Pages

    In John Mill 's’ essay, “The Subjection of Women”, Mill evaluates and analyses, the social differences between the sexes of the Victorian era. Mills raises some valid points about the subjection of women pertaining to the 19th century. Mills argues that during this time women are treated by their husbands as slaves to a master, not offered an equal opportunity in terms of employment, and their educational achievements aren’t recognized nearly as much as their male counterpart.

    Read More

  • The Role of Women in Society

    374 Words  | 1 Pages

    Women have always been essential to society. Fifty to seventy years ago, a woman was no more than a house wife, caregiver, and at their husbands beck and call. Women had no personal opinion, no voice, and no freedom. They were suppressed by the sociable beliefs of man. A woman’s respectable place was always behind the masculine frame of a man. In the past a woman’s inferiority was not voluntary but instilled by elder women, and/or force. Many, would like to know why? Why was a woman such a threat to a man? Was it just about man’s ability to control, and overpower a woman, or was there a serious threat? Well, everyone has there own opinion about the cause of the past oppression of woman, it is currently still a popular argument today.

    Read More

More about Analysis Of The Revolt Of Mother

Open Document