“Women in the nineteenth century” is an essay written by Margaret Fuller where she described the importance of women. In her essay, she described women as holly and righteous as can be seen from the examples she gave about the knight who had the name of the Virgin on his lips. Additionally, this essay describes women as very trusting who could change the lives of many with their strong beliefs; as can be seen from the example of the famous Drachenfels. It can be revealed from the essay that, women are very patient waiting for the things that people may consider gone and forgotten. As a result of their patience, they get what is worth it for them. From these examples, it can be argued that the writer used examples from legends to attract her audience and makes them understand what she says. A point worth noting is that Fuller wanted to attract women as her main audience for them to consider themselves as very important in society (Fuller 63-87).
From the essay, the writer asks rhetorical questions concerning the sufficiently high esteem of women and marriage in particular in Germany. In this case, the writer through the use of rhetoric questions can carry over to and affects her audience. In this case, she targets women because they are undermined by men as they are considered the weaker sex. Further, women are described as loving and very important in society as depicted from the Greek Xenophon painted picture of domestic women despite the claims that; it is better for a thousand women to die rather than one man dying. Importantly, the use of real-life examples by the writer enabled her to carry away the attention of women and make them start fighting for their rights in society (Fuller 63-87).
According to the writer, a woman has been having power in all ranks of the society except the lowest where man pressed with poverty mistreats her and is not in most cases influenced by her. On the other hand, a woman is seen as a symbol of care, hope, and partnership except those who are uncomplaining and gentle and hence they suffer too much (Fuller 63-87).
As can be seen from the essay, women have been prevented from finding what is appropriate for them by men and as a result; have always been assuming what is good for men. In slavery, both men and women are alike as both of them obey the same master unlike in freedom where a man wants to rule over a woman. On this basis, the writer wanted to enlighten women to consider themselves equal to men. According to the writer, women are ruled by men by the virtue of being married, and hence in heaven where there is no marriage; each person is equal (Fuller 63-87).
It is of importance to note that, Margaret still hopes for a time when women will not be used and ruled by men. According to her, this time was foreboded by the time in power of Queen Elizabeth of England who is viewed as expressing the beginning of a new era and progress. It can be revealed that by the usage of real-life examples like those of Queen Elizabeth to demonstrate the reign of women; the writer helps women to prevent themselves from being downplayed by men as they too have the same powers and authority as men (Fuller 63-87).
From the essay, it can be revealed that men consider their wives as nurses of their children but not as parents. According to Margaret, fathers and mothers should help each other in parentage and social life. On this basis, equality would be observed when there is a common esteem relation between husbands and wives; where the wife commends her husband as a good provider while the husband praises her wife as a good housekeeper (Fuller 63-87).
Works cited
Fuller, Margaret. “Women in the Nineteenth Century”. (1998): 63-87. Web.