Women’s journey to freedom
Schwartz cautiously explores the journey of women in the 18th century and the challenges they went through as they tried to fight for their space. Schwartz’s accounts show that women lived in a patriarchal society that suppressed them. One of the common things that took place during the patriarchal era was forced marriages. For instance, Rina was forced to marry a man who raped her, and there is nothing she could do about it. However, a generation of women in the 18th century, including Lina Poletti and others, started a journey to fight for their rights in a male-dominated society. These women expressed the desire to love themselves and embrace lesbianism and any other activity that satisfied them. The journey to women’s freedom was not easy, but later in the 19th century, women started attending schools and universities. Consequently, the modern woman's freedom is because of the long journey of the historical women who fought tirelessly to get their space in society.
The power of determination
The theme of the power of determination is illustrated by Poletti’s tireless adventure to gain education in a society that does not value women. Poletti is depicted as an unwavering woman with the willpower to achieve his dreams regardless of the obstacles ahead of her. In 1886, Poletti graduated with a medical degree and became the first woman pathologist in history. Therefore, Poletti became a role model for women, and they followed in her footsteps because she proved that women could do anything if they remained determined and dedicated.
Feminism
Feminism is a major theme in After Sappho because the biographical fragments of historical women show their determination to choose their destinies. Schwartz depicts the females of the previous century as feminists who could not stop at anything until they achieved their goals. Poletti led other women to advocate for women’s rights and equality. One of the key goals was to allow a woman to attain education and ensure both sexes get access to equal opportunities. The wave of feminist movements started in mid 18th century when hundreds of women questioned their place in society. Consequently, Schwartz presents Poletti, Romaine, Isadora, and Stein as among the leading feminists who advocated for women’s rights.
