Historical Connection of Two Stories. Struggle for the Rights of Women

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The Historical Context of the Two Stories
The Struggle for the Rights of Women
The place of women is described in the two stories: “The Revolt of ‘Mother’” and “A New England Nun” both written by Mary E. Wilkins (Freeman) (1852-1930). According to the different contexts in 1891, the place of the woman was deemed to be in the household. In both stories, the position of a woman revolves around the household and is not allowed to carry out major tasks in society. In the story, the "The Revolt of Mother," the author begins with the story of father and daughter having a conversation. Activities are going on in the field, and the father is reluctant to explain anything, he says to her “I wish you'd go the house a' mother and tend to your affairs (Freeman 308).” The woman has no place in other activities other than taking part in household chores. The statement that Louisa “does her chores methodically as a matter of breathing” during the time, "A New England Nun" (15), is a clear indication of the place of the woman in society in this era.
The context of American democracy at this time is not favorable to women at the same time. During this time, the Women’s Suffrage Movement is a hot topic in the United States, and women are still fighting for their democratic rights (Barber). The setting of the stories by Freeman depicts a male-dominated society where women are restricted to household chores, and the better jobs are left for their male counterparts. The man has to provide for the family while the woman has to stay within the compound.
Historical Setting
The setting in both stories has a religious-historical se...