Essay Questions

How does “The Revolt of "Mother" destabilize feminism?

Freeman weakens the message of Feminism through Nanny Pammy. Freeman observes, “The boy got his cap from a nail behind the door, took an old arithmetic from the shelf, and started for school…The girl went to the sink, and began to wash the dishes that were piled up there.” Nanny does not have the chance to attend school like her brother. Instead she remains at home to relieve her mother the household errands and gear up for her nuptials. Nanny is marginalized because she is female.

How do “The Revolt of "Mother" and “The New England Nun” promote feminism?

Freeman advances Feminism through mother and uses intertextuality to campaign for feminism. Freeman explains, “During the next few hours a feat was performed by this simple, pious New England mother which was equal in its way to Wolfe's storming of the Heights of Abraham. It took no more genius and audacity of bravery for Wolfe to cheer his wondering soldiers up those steep precipices, under the sleeping eyes of the enemy, than for Sarah Penn, at the head of her children, to move all her little household goods into the new barn while her husband was away.” Mother’s resolution to establish her family in the barn is analogous to Wolfe’s myth of “Heights of Abraham.” Freeman references Wolfe’s case to emphasize mother’s feministic supremacy. Even though her husband had not envisioned the barn to be used by the family, mother’s rebelliousness is material for her family. Mother’s triumph is equivalent to feminism.

In “The New England Nun” Louisa disregards the societal obligation of getting married when she recognizes that the marriage would not be complimentary for her. For Louisa, living “like an un- cloistered nun” is more satiating than the marital pleasure. Louisa’s resolution brings about feminist implications; marriage is not an unqualified, indispensable standing for all the women.

Compare and Contrast Mother (from “The Revolt of Mother") and Louisa (from "The New England Nun").

Both Louisa and Mother are from New England. Louisa is “The New England Nun” whereas Mother is “The New England Mother.” They carry out their feminine obligations impeccably. Freeman applies the metaphor of an artist to stress their proclivity for faultlessness. Mother runs her household tasks like an artist. By the same token, Freeman explicates, “Louisa had almost the enthusiasm of an artist over the mere order and cleanliness of her solitary home.” However, Mother is contented with marriage whereas Louisa has an inclination for nun-like life.