crucible

Progression of Women

The women portrayed in The Crucible do not present women in a positive way, nor does it support the feminist theories. It reinforces the stereotypes of the 1950’s. Women from both time eras had difficulties with their rights and proving their worth in this world. But as time progressed, they found out there is more to life rather than changing diapers, keeping the house clean, and the man satisfied.

The Crucible shows that women had no say so in how their life and marriage went. Their husbands spoke for them. The only task women had to worry about was reproducing, praying, and understanding their place in the family. Farming was usually run by the farmer and his wife. The woman usually fed the chickens, collected the eggs, or did the milking. Being a midwife was also very important to the community. It was usually run by two women, who helped with childbirth. Spinning wool and flax into thread was a very important task due to the limitation of fabrics during this time. Children usually helped their mothers tend to the farm, or became servants in homes at a very young age. Working as a servant was done by young girls, until she and her prospective husband had saved enough money to start a business, and or get married.

Children were expected to act under a strict code, as the adults around them were doing so. Salem Witch Trials- the World behind Hysteria quotes, “Any show of emotion, such as excitement, fear, or anger, was discouraged, and disobedience was severely punished. Children rarely played, as toys and games were scarce. Puritans saw these activities as sinful distractions. But unlike young girls, boys had a few outlets for their imagination. They often worked as apprentices outside the home, practicin...

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...nds began doing all the driving to school, and grocery shopping so that the women had to stay home and take care of the household chores. Men did not like the change or freedom that women were gaining.

Women progressed in the 50’s in finding their freedom, such as: how to work outside the house, gaining new job opportunities, and finding their place in society. Coming from a life in 1692, where women could not express emotion, or leave the house for any reason, unless helping their husband; to now being able to help in the war is a huge accomplishment for women in this time period. Women have risen above society’s standards. Women gave faith to their families during the Great Depression, lifted the family without the husband during the times of war, and now after all the conflict and difficulties the women maintained their bravery and their position in society.