Wealthy Women In The Late 1800's Analysis

The reader can ascertain several things from the story, not the least of which is the young woman’s relationship with her husband who happens to be a doctor. In the late 1800’s, women were clearly under the control of men. Wives succumbed to the wishes of their husbands, even in circumstances regarding their health, as we see in this story. John, the young woman’s husband declares at one point “you really are better, dear, whether you can see it or not. I am a doctor, dear, and I know” when she confides in him she is not getting better emotionally. His condescending dismissal of her feelings is very representative of the times, as men always knew best about the women in their lives. Wealthy women, like our storyteller, “were kept busy
Smith …show more content…
This period in the late 19th and early 20th century was commonly referred to as the Victorian Era, and was defined by these strict gender roles, despite women moving into the workforce and making a name for themselves without a man at their side. During the time our story was penned, a term known as “separate spheres’ where men and women came together for breakfast, and then again at dinner for a limited amount of time (Hughes, 2016). We see this very scenario referenced in our story many times as the narrator states “John is away all day, and even some nights when his cases are serious” (p. 649) giving us a clue of the long days she spends alone, despite having a …show more content…
Wealthy women managed the household, and were thought to be fortunate to have such a livelihood. Our storyteller speaks of this role “Nobody would believe what an effort it is to do what little I am able, - to dress and entertain, and order things” (p. 649), which seems to make her even more anxious. She goes on to acknowledge this “Of course it is only nervousness. It does weigh on me so not to do my duty in any way!”, expressing how