A woman’s life in nineteenth-century American society was limited to the domestic sphere, or the household as well as church, and restricted with regard to current and future duties as mothers and wives. While young girls on the one hand need to learn how to fulfill their future duties as mothers and wives, their mothers and teachers on the other hand need to pass their knowledge regarding these duties on to their daughters. Certain gender roles served as the framework for women in society, mainly shaped by the Cult of True Womanhood. Other factors that influenced the role of women were the therewith connected virtues, which a woman was supposed to embody, as well as the common and well-known definition of a ‘True Woman’. With regard to the protagonist in The Morgesons the author “simply disregards the ‘cult of true womanhood’” (Weir 430). Autonomy with regard to women was rare, or even non-existing, and normally unwished-for, especially from the perspective of men, husbands or fathers, who expected every woman to simply take care of household and descendants.
Table of Contents
1 Introduction
2 Female Autonomy and Womanhood in Nineteenth-Century America
3 Cassandra Morgeson: Childhood, Education, and Rebellion
4 Cassandra Morgeson: Adulthood, Autonomy, and Attitudes Towards Men
5 Veronica Morgeson: Childhood, Early Adulthood and Marriage
6 Conclusion
6 Bibliography
6.1 Primary Sources
6.2 Secondary Sources
Objectives and Topics
This paper examines the quest for female autonomy and self-definition within Elizabeth Stoddard's novel "The Morgesons," set in mid-nineteenth-century New England. The study explores how the protagonist, Cassandra Morgeson, navigates social pressures and traditional gender norms to forge her own identity, contrasting her path with that of her more compliant sister, Veronica.
- The societal constraints imposed by the "Cult of True Womanhood" on nineteenth-century American women.
- The intellectual and economic emancipation of the protagonist, Cassandra Morgeson.
- The comparative development of the two sisters, Cassandra and Veronica, within a restrictive patriarchal environment.
- The impact of romantic and sexual desires on the autonomy of women in the novel.
- The intersection of financial dependence and social status in shaping female life choices.
Excerpt from the Book
3 Cassandra Morgeson: Childhood, Education, and Rebellion
Cassandra Morgeson is described as “possessed” (Stoddard 9) and “evil” (ibid. 27) during her childhood and teenage years. She shows signs of disobedience concerning authorities — teachers and her parents — and begins questioning society’s ideals and structures quite early: “‘Say good-morning, Cassandra,’ said mother, in a low voice. ‘No,' I answered loudly, "I am not fond of my grandfather’” (ibid. 19). She has an ambivalent attitude towards her family and doubts their actions and status in general: “Morgeson-- Born-- Lived-- Died-- were all their archives.” (ibid. 15). This implies that she is more ambitious regarding her life and actions. She “feels isolated and alienated from her family” (Weir 429), which is intensified by her actions, which contradict their expectations. Despite her young age she speaks her mind, both with her family members, even with older people, and with authorities as well as with stranegrs, and has a critical view of her family: “It is certain that they were not a progressive or changeable family. No tradition of any individuality remains concerning them” (Stoddard 15). Progress can be seen in Cassandra’s rebellious behavior as a teenager and child as well as her increasingly autonomous behavior as an adult.
Summary of Chapters
1 Introduction: This chapter introduces the societal context of nineteenth-century America and defines the focus of the analysis: the quest for autonomy in Elizabeth Stoddard's "The Morgesons."
2 Female Autonomy and Womanhood in Nineteenth-Century America: This section details the ideological framework of the "Cult of True Womanhood" and explains the contemporary definitions of autonomy and femininity.
3 Cassandra Morgeson: Childhood, Education, and Rebellion: The chapter explores Cassandra’s early manifestations of disobedience and her initial resistance against familial and educational authorities.
4 Cassandra Morgeson: Adulthood, Autonomy, and Attitudes Towards Men: This part analyzes Cassandra’s transition into a mature, sexual woman and her evolving stance on marriage, romantic desire, and financial independence.
5 Veronica Morgeson: Childhood, Early Adulthood and Marriage: The focus here is on the contrast between Cassandra and her sister Veronica, examining Veronica's eventual conformity to social norms and her tragic outcome.
6 Conclusion: The concluding chapter summarizes the disparate paths of the two sisters and reflects on the failure of traditional femininity to ensure happiness for women in the novel.
Keywords
Female autonomy, The Morgesons, Elizabeth Stoddard, nineteenth-century America, Cult of True Womanhood, gender roles, Bildungsroman, Cassandra Morgeson, Veronica Morgeson, social norms, patriarchy, rebellion, identity, domestic sphere, nineteenth-century literature.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this research paper?
The paper primarily explores the theme of female autonomy as represented by the protagonist Cassandra Morgeson in Elizabeth Stoddard’s novel "The Morgesons," comparing her journey to that of her sister, Veronica.
Which central themes are addressed?
Key themes include the impact of nineteenth-century gender roles, the influence of the "Cult of True Womanhood," domesticity, rebellion against social institutions, and the struggle for financial and intellectual independence.
What is the primary goal of the study?
The goal is to analyze how Cassandra Morgeson actively rejects established social institutions and definitions of a "True Woman" to achieve self-definition and autonomous behavior.
Which scientific approach is utilized?
The paper utilizes a literary analysis approach, drawing upon feminist theory and historical contexts of the nineteenth century to interpret the development of the characters.
What is covered in the main body of the paper?
The main body examines the societal constraints on women, the specific rebellious stages of Cassandra’s life, and a comparative analysis of her sister Veronica's life choices and ultimate decline.
What are the characterizing keywords of the work?
Essential keywords include female autonomy, nineteenth-century literature, gender roles, the Cult of True Womanhood, social rebellion, and the novel "The Morgesons" by Elizabeth Stoddard.
How does the role of the father affect the sisters' development?
The father represents the financial gatekeeper in a society where women were not allowed to work or earn their own money, creating a dependency that fundamentally structures the limitations placed upon both sisters.
What distinguishes Cassandra from her sister Veronica?
While both sisters are raised within the same environment, Cassandra actively rebels against society's rules and expectations, whereas Veronica adopts a more feminine, compliant role, leading her toward a life that eventually results in spiritual and social isolation.
How is the "Cult of True Womanhood" portrayed in the novel?
The paper argues that the novel intentionally critiques or disregards the virtues associated with this cult—piety, submissiveness, and domesticity—particularly through the actions of the protagonist, who prioritizes her own autonomous self over these traditional expectations.
- Citar trabajo
- Lioba Frings (Autor), 2017, Female Autonomy in Elizabeth Stoddard’s "The Morgesons", Múnich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/368938
