Women's rights in the late 1800s to explain Mrs. Mallard's behavior Research Paper

Women's rights in the late 1800s to explain Mrs. Mallard's behavior. (The Story of an Hour by Kate Chopin) - Research Paper Example In the early days though women were looked upon as a creative entity, yet they were always considered to be physically and intellectually inferior to men. Moreover, women were also considered to be a major source of temptation to men. The ancient Roman law described women as children who were inferior to men. According to Greek mythology, it was Pandora, a woman who had opened a box that was forbidden and released unhappiness, disease and plagues into the world. In ancient India, after the advent of Hinduism, the role of women was one of submission. Women were required to be ever obedient and walk behind their husbands. Widows could not remarry neither could women own property. It is clearly evident that in the East and West, male children were most preferred than female children. Maternity, was considered the biologically natural role for women. Women in the early times were considered to be the fairer but weaker sex and unable to carry out work that required muscular or intellectua l skill. For example, they were required to carry out duties pertaining to the household such as cooking, cleaning and looking after their families. Work involving heavy labor was left for the men to do. Though women were considered to be the weaker sex, statistics show that women have a greater tolerance than men and live for a longer period than men. They are also capable of hard labor and have greater tolerance to pain and disease. The legal status of women was greatly influenced by the myth of women being naturally inferior and therefore all major decisions were taken by the men. Men literally owned their wives while the women remained defenseless in legal matters. Though women who were unmarried were permitted to sue or be sued in a court of law, own property or sign legal contracts, the women who were married were not allowed to do the same. In fact she had to give up her name, adopt the name of the husband and all the property she owned came under the control of her husband. However, during the 19th century, as women began educating themselves in college or universities, things began to change for them. Equity laws were passed in places like the United States and England and the rights of women became more liberalized. Married women were allowed to own property and they were allowed to take up professions in law or they worked in garment or textile mills. In the 20th century however, times began changing and so did the attitudes towards women. Women fought and won the right to vote and thereby strengthened their positions by educating themselves well and seeking good career opportunities. It was during this period that they were permitted both personal and intellectual freedom. Women began making significant progress through their achievements in various fields. ‘The Story of an Hour’ by Kate Chopin was chosen by me to reinstate the above scenario of women and how they lived during the early eras of the 1800’s and the status they mai ntained in society. This story belongs to the category of short stories and revolves around Louise Mallard, the protagonist of the story, who is a clear example of women who lived during the 1800’s when women’s rights suffered due to male domination. Brently Mallard, Louise’s husband is supposed to have died tragically in a railroad accident and on hearing the news of his death from the newspaper office, Richards who is Brently’s friend, leaves immediately to break the news to Mallard’s wife Louise. Mrs. Mallard was known to be weak- hearted and so Josephine, her sister undertakes to break the news to her most gently. On coming to hear of her husband’