John Ruskin Of Queen's Garden Analysis

A queen is responsible for the moral atmosphere of her country; so it is with a wife in her home. According to John Ruskin in his lecture, Of Queen’s Gardens, a husband is to be a shield for his wife from public stains so that in turn she may infallibly provide a home of comfort and safety through her office, presence, and wisdom. By using rhetorical means Ruskin convinces readers even today to see the importance of a woman’s role in society. Her position is conveyed through emotion and rationale. Because John Ruskin holds the women to high standards, he develops credibility in his argument as he gains nothing for his sex in voicing his insightful perspective. The Victorian Era was mostly about advancements in society. Then came the question about women: should they advance their education so as to further their usefulness to society? John Ruskin addressed this in “Of Queen’s Gardens” by presenting the question: what is “the woman’s true place and power” in society? (Ruskin 1615) He is commenting on the two spheres perceived by the majority of the middle class: private and public. Ruskin is acting as a reformer of moral responsibility. In order to properly understand a women’s role in Victorian society, one must first see her office. Although a women is expected to be educated, her “intellect is not for invention …show more content…
Ruskin knows that women with all their positive qualities are still flawed through human nature; however, “so far as she rules, all must be right, or nothing is.” (Ruskin 1616) Her wisdom is not meant for self-betterment, but for the furtherance of her kingdom. She is wise, “not that she may set herself above her husband, but that she may never fail from his side: wise, not with the narrowness of insolent and loveless pride, but with…modesty of service.” (Ruskin 1616) The best monarchs are the ones who view their position as a way to benevolently provide for others through humility and