Mary Astell’s A Serious Proposal to the Ladies exhibits persuasion and bluntness in discussing women’s roles during the 1690s. Astell’s proposal is considered to be one of the first feminist works of its time, as it offers a closer look at what women have been taught to do, versus what they are capable of. Within the first paragraph Astell states what has been considered normal for women by saying, “For ‘tis but decorous that she who is not capable of giving better rules should follow those she sees before her,” (356). In just this one quote the social expectation for women is set, in addition to stating her own opinion on the matter. This line also lays a foundation for what Astell is trying to build off of. Astell, through her confident tone
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The opening line of Astell’s proposal is, “Thus ignorance and a narrow education lay the foundation of vice, and imitation and custom rear it up.” (356). With this opening line Astell is comparing ignorance or a lack of education to the beginning steps of wickedness. It is considered wickedness because according to Astell, the best way to serve God is having the knowledge to do so; by lacking an education, women are not serving God to the best of their ability. This is explained as, “religion never appears in its true beauty but when it is accompanied with wisdom and discretion” (359). It is important to note however that Astell does not seem to be interested in gaining educational opportunities for women simply for the sake of getting an education, but for the sole purpose of serving God. “You will not be solicitous to increase your fortunes, but enlarge your minds;” (357) is a good example of how a follower of God is not to be persuaded by the meaningless temptations of the world, but to remain devoted to religion. According to Astell, “the hurry and noise of the world, which does generally so busy and pre-engage us, that we have little time, and less inclination, to stand still and reflect on our own minds.” (356). This quote goes further in detail about what the distractions of the world can do to a …show more content…
She bluntly states, “We think it an unpardonable mistake not to do as or neighbours do, and part with our peace and pleasure as well as our innocence and virtue, merely in compliance with an unreasonable fashion.” (356). With this statement Astell is saying that women have been afraid of stepping out of the social construct because there is fear in leaving what is familiar. Therefore, women are continuously stuck in this never ending cycle of settling. Women do this not because they find satisfaction in settling, but because they are unaware of the satisfactions of greater opportunities. The expectations for women are seen in this proposal as superficial, and lacking of any real meaningful substance. “When a poor young lady is taught to value herself on nothing but her clothes, and to think she is very fine when well accoutered. When she hears say that ‘tis wisdom enough for her to know how to dress herself that she may become amiable in his eyes,” (357), through this quote Astell paints a vivid picture of what the social practices for women were during this time. Women were taught that the only knowledge that mattered was what to wear, and how to look their best for men. This could also be an example of the temptations of the world that women have become enticed with, therefore by letting themselves be
The opening line of Astell’s proposal is, “Thus ignorance and a narrow education lay the foundation of vice, and imitation and custom rear it up.” (356). With this opening line Astell is comparing ignorance or a lack of education to the beginning steps of wickedness. It is considered wickedness because according to Astell, the best way to serve God is having the knowledge to do so; by lacking an education, women are not serving God to the best of their ability. This is explained as, “religion never appears in its true beauty but when it is accompanied with wisdom and discretion” (359). It is important to note however that Astell does not seem to be interested in gaining educational opportunities for women simply for the sake of getting an education, but for the sole purpose of serving God. “You will not be solicitous to increase your fortunes, but enlarge your minds;” (357) is a good example of how a follower of God is not to be persuaded by the meaningless temptations of the world, but to remain devoted to religion. According to Astell, “the hurry and noise of the world, which does generally so busy and pre-engage us, that we have little time, and less inclination, to stand still and reflect on our own minds.” (356). This quote goes further in detail about what the distractions of the world can do to a …show more content…
She bluntly states, “We think it an unpardonable mistake not to do as or neighbours do, and part with our peace and pleasure as well as our innocence and virtue, merely in compliance with an unreasonable fashion.” (356). With this statement Astell is saying that women have been afraid of stepping out of the social construct because there is fear in leaving what is familiar. Therefore, women are continuously stuck in this never ending cycle of settling. Women do this not because they find satisfaction in settling, but because they are unaware of the satisfactions of greater opportunities. The expectations for women are seen in this proposal as superficial, and lacking of any real meaningful substance. “When a poor young lady is taught to value herself on nothing but her clothes, and to think she is very fine when well accoutered. When she hears say that ‘tis wisdom enough for her to know how to dress herself that she may become amiable in his eyes,” (357), through this quote Astell paints a vivid picture of what the social practices for women were during this time. Women were taught that the only knowledge that mattered was what to wear, and how to look their best for men. This could also be an example of the temptations of the world that women have become enticed with, therefore by letting themselves be