Ann Veronica’s story is set at a time when women did not have equal rights to men. They were not allowed to vote or included in any democratic process. Ann recounts how women were expected to grow up in their father house and only leave to go to another man house when they got married. This was because they did not have any economic freedom for they were not allowed into certain professions. Ann Veronica was a liberal woman. She intended to continue her studies in biology at the Imperial College of London even though her father was against her decision to pursue her passion. Once Ann wanted to attend a costume ball that was liberal and quite different from the traditional tea parties that were the social norm. She intended to wear trousers which was unheard of for they were considered men’s clothing. Her aunt, Miss Stanley was horrified by this since she was firm on traditional mannerisms.
Eventually, Ann decided to run away from home so that she could ‘live’. She wanted to experience life outside the sheltered and predictable life that was awaiting her since men like Mr. Manning had started proposing to her. She did not want to become a housewife and she desired to pursue a career in biology and have an equal place in men. She went to London where she discovered that life as an unmarried woman was tough. This was because the jobs that women were allowed to do were limited and not well paying. They included being a governess or a receptionist art a photographer’s shop. At this point in time, she met a woman who was involved in activism and the fight for women’s rights. The Suffragettes was a growing movement at the time which had women from all social classes who felt oppressed and wanted equality.
Ann joined the movement and they stormed parliament to demand for their rights from the lawmakers. The government had a negative response and had them arrested and locked up for a month. This is an illustration of how hard it was for omen to be heard and their matters to be addressed for they were considered caregivers and housewives who looked after men and children.
Marriages were most often done with the view of getting a better life but not for love. Ann’s sister Gwen had fled home and married a man who was considered unfit for her because he was not wealthy. Women were encouraged to marry men of high social standing and who were wealthy to ensure their futures and those of their children. Therefore, when Ann married a playwright who she was deeply in love with, it was an a ct of rebellion from the social norm.
