Crystal Eastman's Now We Can Begin

Is it possible for women to achieve independence and equality in society? Will women ever be equal to their male counterparts? In “Now We Can Begin,” Crystal Eastman attempts to answer these questions with a resounding “YES!” by outlining several approaches to women’s freedom. Before the reader begins, Eastman’s credibility is established because it can be presumed she, as a female “feminist socialist,” is a qualified expert in her field. She uses different methods of persuasion often in concurrence to strengthen her stance. In “Now We Can Begin,” Eastman articulately provides a powerful argument that women must begin their fight for equality by educating the young, promoting freedom of occupational choice, and viewing motherhood as

a valued contribution to society.
In “Now We Can Begin,” Eastman argues that it is up to feminist women to instill feminist ideals in their children.

She makes effective use of pathos by her choice of words, which add passion to her argument. Because she uses pathos in combination with logos, her argument is successful (TEXT pg 60). When Eastman discusses the importance of proper teaching of young children, she uses the phrase, “we must institute a revolution,” which has a very dramatic effect (Eastman). When the reader pictures a revolution, it may bring up feelings of excitement, exhilaration, or even anger. Eastman continues to strengthen her argument for better education of children with the use of logic, or logos. She acknowledges that mothers of the past are at fault for teaching their sons that housework is the woman’s job. Eastman uses logic when she reasons that men are not to blame

for taking advantages presented to them. CITE THE TEXT AUTHOR states that an argument is logical when the reasons presented lead to conclusion that is likely to be true (65). Therefore, Eastman’s argument is logical because it is true that mothers teach their sons to avoid housework, leading to the likely conclusion that men will avoid housework, as they were taught. She continues to add substance to her argument by admitting that men will not willingly give up their freedom from household chores, and that women must teach younger generations to value hard work, be the chore traditionally masculine or feminine (Eastman). This use of ethos helps solidify Eastman’s credibility, because it shows that she has taken all views into consideration, forming a well-rounded, educated decision.
Eastman continues to provide a convincing argument using pathos and ethos when she addresses the need for women to break the barriers that commonly obstruct freedom.

When introducing the issue, she appeals to the reader’s emotions again with her colorful choice of words. Repetition of the phrase what is “the matter with women?” effectively conjures feelings of angst and unrest in readers who are sympathetic to the cause. Eastman believes woman must overcome these obstacles before they can be free to choose their own careers, and obtain financial independence. Her use of ethos and logos are noticed when she mentions in order to push past societal barriers, women must be free to choose their own career path. In Eastman’s view, women should not be “destined by the accident of their sex to one field of activity-housework and child-raising.” This is a great use of logos, as it is logical that if a woman could freely choose their own career without any regard to gender, then equality will be achieved. Ethos come into play when Eastman next acknowledges that most women do indeed want children, and of those women most would prefer to raise their children instead of pursuing a career. This contrasting viewpoint is easily refuted when Eastman reminds the readers that a woman’s freedom lies in her right to choose. By choosing motherhood, a woman is exercising her

independence.
Motherhood is an important topic within the feminist movement, one which Eastman does not attempt to shy away from in her essay. As she has pointed out, many women choose motherhood voluntarily as their full-time occupation. Eastman maintains that motherhood as an occupation should be “recognized by the world as work, requiring a definite economic reward and not merely entitling the performer to be dependent on some man.” The beginning of this assertion is logical statement; that the rearing of productive members of society should be held in high regard and full-time should be compensated for this work. It is logical that the government would be pleased to accept well-rounded young adults into society, and therefore sensible to request that mothers be compensated for these valuable contributions. The ending of this assertion appeals to the reader’s emotions, by implying disgust at the thought of a woman needing to rely on “some man,” (Eastman). Eastman’s choice of words, again, serve her well in accentuating the arguments she puts forth.
By effectively using persuasive techniques, Eastman does an exemplary job demonstrating methods in which society must change to promote women’s equality. She repeatedly uses ethos, pathos, and logos to strengthen her position, while engaging the reader in an emotional journey. Her vocabulary paints a vivid picture, adding passion and intensity to her argument. Though this analysis may only point out several examples, each sentence in Eastman’s essay can be broken down to find effective use of the methods of persuasion. “Now We Can Begin,” for better or for worse, has truly stood the test of time, as many of these issues still plague American society.