Relations Between Women In The 18th And 19th Centuries.

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Relations between women in the 18th and 19th centuries.

Theme: Relations between women in the 18th and 19th centuries.

Thesis: Relationships between women in the nineteenth century America created a web of love and support for women. Mothers and daughters, sisters and friends from childhood formed emotional and sometimes physical bonds that lasted lifetimes. These ties were acknowledged and easily accepted in their societies.
Many women survived unthinkable hardships such as geographical isolation, child birth, and loss of children because of the unconditional love found in their relations with other women.

I. Introduction
A. Female friendship of 19th century not really studied before
B. Abundance of evidence suggests very strong emotional ties between women. C. All types of relationships are suggested from sisterly love to passion
D. In this world men are hardly noted

II. Defining and analyzing these relations
A. Question of method and interpretation
B. How to view same sex relations
1.Psychopathology
2.dichotomy between normal and abnormal
C. Viewing within a cultural and social setting
D. Based on the diaries of women from 35 families from 1760s to 1880s
1.Represents brood range of women
2.Middle class

III. Sensual and platonic
A. Sarah Butler Wister and Jeannie Field Musgrove
1. Met while families vacationed; spent 2 years together at boarding school
2. throughout life wrote to eachother talking of their deep affection and their anguish when apart
3. Marriage brought physical separation but nor
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... friends and relatives were present through the entire process.

VII. Conclusion

The relationships between women during this era was core to their lives and survival. Without the love, support, and rituals surrounding their daily lives together, many of the women would not have survived the hardships that often presented themselves in life.

Point of Analysis: I feel that the author was a bit long winded in her explanations of some things. There are many things that she repeats. I also feel that she could have presented more about the lives of men. After reading this, I wonder what the men did all day and if they had relationships like this with their friends and male kin. It is a great essay and does show vividly the lives of women during this time

Point of Synthesis: This article really helped me to understand the women during this time much more. To see their lives on a much more personal level, and how they socialized really creates a deeper and more personal understanding of women here. Connecting this with their political lives, regional, and religious helps to make the circle complete and create a true understanding of women during this era.

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