The Role of Women in 19th Century England

Paper Summary:

This paper defines that these two critical essays are essential studies of how women's role in 19th Century English society shifted from one of subordination to a more liberal, even radical criticism of the society's treatment of women. This paper discusses Ellis' essay, which talks about women's subordination to men and Deroin's later essay, which criticizes the unjust and unequal treatment of the society to its women, particularly in their role as wives, mothers, and as women inside the family institution.

From the Paper:

"Ellis' essay, an excerpt from her book, "The Wives of England," talks about the ways and actions a woman must portray in public in order to be considered an intelligent and "rational" individual by her society. The essay is described as an advisory about the necessary actions a woman must do in order to make their husbands, or the men, "feel like kings in their own households and thereby become aware of just how much they need their devoted wives." Ellis started her essay by stating that the role of men in the society is essential and their role as the "head of a household" are both vital functions to which the males of the society must attend. In effect, Ellis makes it clear that the role of women fades in comparison with the important work men must do to both maintain the stability and security of the society and his family."

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