In My Father Writes to My Mother, think about what you learned about the role of women in the societies described in the selection.
In your first paragraph, fully explain how women were treated and how they were expected to behave. Support your analysis with at least one correctly cited quote from the text.
In your second paragraph, describe how the women coped with the conflicts they encountered. Support your analysis with at least one correctly cited quote from the text.
Finally, in at least one complete paragraph compare and contrast these observations with your culture. What aspects are the same and what aspects are different? Again, support your comparisons and contrasts with evidence. For this paragraph, anecdotal evidence is acceptable.
In "My Father Writes to My Mother," the role of women in the societies described is characterized by traditional expectations and restrictions. Women are expected to conform to societal norms and fulfill their prescribed roles as wives and mothers. They are often treated as subordinate to men and their opinions and desires are often disregarded. This is evident when the narrator's father writes to her mother, "a woman’s intelligence and industry can be so easily exploited when the men make the rules." (text, p. 4) This quote highlights the unequal power dynamics and the limited agency given to women in these societies.
In coping with the conflicts they encounter, women in the story often resort to indirect means of communication and expression. They find solace in their relationships with other women and navigate their restricted environment through secret letters and coded language. This is exemplified when the narrator's mother responds to her father's letter, stating, "I am learning the art of oblique steam venting through gender-coded letters…" (text, p. 7) This quote reveals how women cope with their constrained circumstances by finding alternative ways to express themselves and seek support.
Comparing and contrasting these observations with my own culture, I can see similarities and differences. In my culture, women have also faced historical discrimination and were expected to conform to traditional gender roles. However, there have been significant strides towards gender equality and empowerment. Women in my culture have the freedom to pursue education, careers, and make independent choices. While gender inequality still exists, there is a growing recognition and advocacy for women's rights. I have witnessed women in my culture actively challenging societal expectations and asserting their voice. In contrast to the societies described in the story, women in my culture have more avenues for self-expression and agency, with greater opportunities for personal and professional growth.