1. Problem:
In what ways did Adams work for the social, economic, and political advancement of women, and how did she maintain her own independence in a time when married women legally had none?
2. Theses:
Holton details how Adams rebelled against societal norms and laws that limited women, both within her family, and publically. He seeks to avoid defining Adams in terms of the men in her life, particular her husband and her son. He emphasizes the fact that Abigail’s rebellions were often in opposition of her husband, despite the fact that she is often portrayed as agreeing with and supporting John in practically everything. He demonstrates her rebellions especially through her “Remember the Ladies” speech and her financial endeavors. Holton portrays Abigail Adams as a free-thinking woman who advocated for herself and for other women.
3. Argument:
Holton immediately informs the reader that first names would be used whenever John and Abigail Adams were mentioned in the same context, rather than calling him “Adams,” and her “Abigail,” as is often done, so that he might not “perpetuate an ancient patriarchal practice that classified women with children (XXV).” In …show more content…
While I do appreciate Abigail Adams being examined as her own person, it is important to note that if John Adams were more oppressive of his wife and more opposed to the advancement of women, she would not have had the economic independence that she did, as it was not legally her right. Similarly, if he were not John Adams, member of the Continental Congress and eventual President, she would not have been granted the same political opportunities. This said, I found Holton’s portrayal of Abigail as a fiercely independent woman with economic savvy to be very convincing, especially given that he backs it up with Abigail’s own writings, as well as writings about her by people who knew her
In what ways did Adams work for the social, economic, and political advancement of women, and how did she maintain her own independence in a time when married women legally had none?
2. Theses:
Holton details how Adams rebelled against societal norms and laws that limited women, both within her family, and publically. He seeks to avoid defining Adams in terms of the men in her life, particular her husband and her son. He emphasizes the fact that Abigail’s rebellions were often in opposition of her husband, despite the fact that she is often portrayed as agreeing with and supporting John in practically everything. He demonstrates her rebellions especially through her “Remember the Ladies” speech and her financial endeavors. Holton portrays Abigail Adams as a free-thinking woman who advocated for herself and for other women.
3. Argument:
Holton immediately informs the reader that first names would be used whenever John and Abigail Adams were mentioned in the same context, rather than calling him “Adams,” and her “Abigail,” as is often done, so that he might not “perpetuate an ancient patriarchal practice that classified women with children (XXV).” In …show more content…
While I do appreciate Abigail Adams being examined as her own person, it is important to note that if John Adams were more oppressive of his wife and more opposed to the advancement of women, she would not have had the economic independence that she did, as it was not legally her right. Similarly, if he were not John Adams, member of the Continental Congress and eventual President, she would not have been granted the same political opportunities. This said, I found Holton’s portrayal of Abigail as a fiercely independent woman with economic savvy to be very convincing, especially given that he backs it up with Abigail’s own writings, as well as writings about her by people who knew her