A New England Nun1
The American feminist movement in the 1960s was a struggle for women's rights and freedom. It attempted to shatter the various traditional ideals that sustained the oppression of women and kept them in a subordinate position. Although the historical movement did not take shape until after the mid 20th century, the foundation for this struggle was evident long before. One place in which it is exhibited is in Mary Wilkins Freeman's 1891 progressive and controversial narrative "A New England Nun." Through the main character, Louisa Ellis, Freeman challenges customarily accepted stereotypes of womanhood. Although she portrays Louisa as a traditional late 19th century domesticated woman, she also shows how Louisa is able to assert an autonomous identity and achieve personal satisfaction. Evidence of Louisa asserting an individualistic identity is seen in her decision to remain single and responsible for only herself. Moreover, support of the main character's attainment of self-fulfillment is displayed in her interaction with her home, pet dog Caesar, and productive activities. Louisa's autonomy is evident in her decision to remain single. Although engaged to her fiance, Joe Dagget, for fifteen years, she has spent fourteen
This description clearly illustrates the importance of common domestic duties to Louisa as a source of pleasure. However, Louisa realizes that this source will become threatened both by her new stepmother and Joe's masculinity. Mary Wilkins Freeman's narrative presents a powerful account of the experiences of women living in the nineteenth century. Her short story provides a descriptive portrayal of the pervasive theme of psychic oppression and rebellion of women from mainstream society's traditional ideals of womanhood and autonomy. Through Louisa, Freeman shows that women can successfully perform the dualistic task of maintaining certain customary beliefs and expectations as well as form an individualistic identity. Although the importance of her progressive ideas were not fully accepted and realized at the time, it will latter go on to help inspire future feminist leaders, such as Betty Friedan, and the feminist movement in the 1960s. Unlike other women who perform domestic tasks merely in the name of womanhood, Louisa not only willingly, but enjoys and looks forward to carrying out her daily routines. In this sense, her daily routine becomes her religion. This is comparable to a nun carrying out her religious rituals. Thus, both women's self-satisfaction derives from performing their productive activities with dedication and diligence in the name of their religion and God. Thus, when Louisa overhears Joe and Lily Dyer, Joe's "other" lover, talking, she has an excuse to break off the marriage with Joe. Though a part of her wants to get married, she is also looking for a way out of it. In the end, the sacrifices she is forced to concede are too precious to relinquish. The solitude of her life brought her contentment and individuality, qualities she does not want anyone or anything to disturb, even if it means giving up her "birthright." Louisa's dog, Caesar, is another source of material possessions in which she draws gratification from. She takes comfort in Caesar, for he and his condition mirror that of hers. Caesar lives a lonely existence with only his house and a couple feet of chain in his world. Caesar, like Louisa, is forced into seclusion. Caesar's impose isolation came about as a result of a mi
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Approximate Word count = 1512
Approximate Pages = 6 (250 words per page double spaced)
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