Inequality In The Romantic Era

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The Romantic era, with its emphasis on reflection and feeling, is often seen as the reaction against the Age of Enlightenment and the endless desire to attain knowledge that came with it. This change in notions allowed men to interact and connect to each other in a more controlled and organized manner, since feelings work on a more personal level rather than rational. The new atmosphere brimming with ideas about individuality and liberty seemed ideal for recognition of equal women rights. However, the Romantic mood was not actually fruitful for women. Protestors argued that better rights for women were a logical extension of the liberty statement. If individuality was considered to be true, then it must apply to women as well. Before any significant …show more content…

Unlike men, women’s education was subject to specific contents. For instances, women were taught to sew, paint, dance but not introduced to socially important field like history, philosophy, economics and others. The main focus on women education was on how to dress and behave and finally find a good husband rather than allowing them to think. They were encouraged to give more attention to their bodies rather than their minds. As a result of which, the body and behaviour became the main basis of which women were …show more content…

In other words we can say that if women didn't know ‘why’ to behave in certain situations, then their behaviour would be nothing but an artificial response and not something that was a result of virtue. Thus the new principles actually threatened marriage and argued that the development of women’s minds rather than just their bodies could make them more helpful mates in marriage. The bonding of minds can be really helpful in creating affection between two. Concepts like beauty and marriage were considered temporary reasons to achieve a strong foundation for a long lasting relationship. A marriage built of friendship can however prove to be beneficial for both home and country. The feminists tried to redefine terms on the basis of which the society valued and educated women. By putting more stress on women education, the Romantic feminist pointed out the main cause of women inequality and also its potential solution. As concepts like and modesty and obedience began to judge the moral standard of women, feminine sensibility asked the women to shows these qualities in their behaviour. But Wollstonecraft argued that without well developed education, virtue is one trait that undoubtedly out of question. So as long as women are well educated, their behaviour was nothing but an artful display of deception. Adding to it, women were taught to be cunning

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