Okay, first of all this reading took me a couple days to finish. If I put my mind to it, definitely, I could finish it in one day. This passage was just too painful to focus on for more than five pages at a time. Another aspect of it that created issues for me was the way it was written. I understand people talked differently during other eras, but this was ridiculous. I read a passage to my mother out loud -- stumbling over some of the words I might add-- and she just gave me a blank stare.
While reading I had an idea in my head of what point she was trying to get across. I believed I could understand everything she wrote, but then again there were so many words and phrases I was not familiar with, I could have been completely wrong.
I am not the type who enjoys being negative and harping on the works of others. I do admit I enjoyed reading parts of Mary Wollestonecraft's passage, particularly the middle. The reason for this is I noticed a pattern. In the first couple of pages she really focuses on how people look at women in a negative light-- "..docile blind obedience, to gratify the senses of man..." Towards the middle she began to describe how the world should REALLY view women. They should be seen as powerful and independent. They should not be objectified and viewed as submissive. This section made me perk up just a bit. I began to find myself feeling very powerful and confident as I kept reading.
But towards the end, Wollstonecraft once again brings up the negative and begins to concentrate on how women are mistreated. It brought the whole piece back to a sullen frame of mind. In my opinion that is not a memorable way to end a 20 page paper.
Hi Danielle! Great response! This essay took me a few days to read too! I feel like I could only take it in small pieces; the essay was overwhelming at times. I totally agree; the author’s prose caused some issues for me. Countless sentences were so rich and lengthy that it became tough for me to understand some parts too! That’s funny that your mother just gave you a blank stare when you read her a passage. I feel the same way; at times I felt like I could understand what I was reading, but numerous times, I’m sure, I was off or misinterpreting.
ReplyDeleteI too enjoyed reading some parts of Wollstonecraft’s passage. The middle did seem to pick up a little bit more, and I felt like the essay got more interesting as it went along. I liked when Wollstonecraft described how women should be treated and viewed (as strong and intelligent, not obedient and simple). Independence and power are characteristics women should definitely possess! Her passion on paper allowed me to feel powerful and confident as a woman!
I agree with you that Wollstonecraft ended the essay in a darker light and that maybe a lighter note would have been more memorable. Perhaps, a more positive note that gives women hope and confidence would have been better. I felt accomplished when I finished reading this essay, didn’t you?
Hi Danielle! I agree with both you and Chloe that this essay was a little daunting, and I had to break it down because there was no way I was going to be able to concentrate and read it all in one sitting.
ReplyDeleteI think it's neat how you noticed that the beginning and end of Wollstonecraft's essay talked about women in a negative light, while the middle picked up on how women should be treated. I mostly agree with you, but I think one reason why I felt this way was because it was hard to jump right into an essay like this. Once I had read some, I had a better feel for Wollstonecraft's writing, so I think I began to enjoy it a little more. Nonetheless, I also found myself feeling more empowered and confident when Wollstonecraft talked about how women should be treated in the middle of the essay.
Nice post! I hope you're having a great summer!
Hi Danielle! I agree with you this essay was very difficult for me to read as well. I had to do the samething you, Chloe, and Morgan did, and break it down so i could concentrate on all of it.
ReplyDeleteI didn't notice, untill you pointed it out, how Wollstonecraft essay started out negitively, then started to pick up and then ended negitively again.
I also felt very empowered while I was reading this essay. I was glad too see, personally, how much times have changed since this essay was written for women.
I hope you are having a good summer and enjoy the last few days that are left!