Micro -Activity #6

9/16/2020

  1. I believe that Wollstonecraft wrote this letter because she was fighting for the rights of all women at a time when women were subservient to men. She wanted women to be equal to all men and in order for that to happen, women must be educated equally. It would be an injustice to exclude women from the natural rights of mankind. (p.2) The role of all women should not be limited to just keeping a respectable moral home, taking care of the children, and living in delicate domestic life. (p.1) . Wollstonecraft believed that women should go out into the world, get an education (equal to that of a man) participate in the working world, and get involved in politics. Wollstonecraft was writing this letter to the former Bishop of Autun because he was preparing for the French Revolution. She wanted women to be included in this revolution since it was bound to change the rights of men.
  2. I believe the DC that Wollstonecraft belonged to is: the women’s rights movement. The men and women living in Wollstonecraft’s society had distinct gender roles. Women were unequal to men. Women were unable to vote, have their own careers outside of the home, and couldn’t even go to school. How unfair it was that society dictated how women should behave. Wollstonecraft wanted to change this. I feel the recipient of this letter was not free either. Being a man, gave him a certain level of freedom but, the former bishop (and all people living in France) was loosely enslaved to the French King. Reading this letter, we find that it was was written to a man who will become involved with the French Revolution. One of the purposes of this revolution was to change the political power in France, from the French monarchy into the hands of the people.
  3. Quote#1:”When that is achieved, the common law of gravity will hold sway and the sexes will fall into their proper places.”
    • Writing strategies: Imagery
    • In this quote, the author is is comparing women and men to gravity. Gravity is not something we can see but, we can see the effects of it. In my mind, I picture both men and women moving back and forth in unison while the wind is blowing. When the wind stops, both genders will automatically understand what is expected out of them. This is not a good thing because the author wants to change the gender roles of both sexes.
    • Quote 2: “Also, while women are only made to acquire personal accomplishments, men will seek pleasure in variety, and faithless husbands will make faithless wives.” (p.3)
    • Writing Strategy: persuasive
    • In this quote, the author is applying that women should not have to work only in the home or that a woman’s accomplishments should only be based on household chores. She is also implying that a husband would eventually become bored with their wives because they are not their equals.