The Lessons for Women is a document explaining the Confucian society's look on women and their roles. In the Confucian Classics, women were not mentioned very frequently, suggesting that the reason for this is because they did not mean much in the society. Beginning at birth, the rules and restrictions are practiced. On the third day after the birth of the girl, she is put below the bed. This act indicates that she is "weak and lowly" (Lessons of Women, p.153). It is also suggesting that she should "humble" herself before others. On the same day, she is given a potsherd (piece of broken pottery). The baby is given this to play with. The potsherd signifies labor and that she should be industrious above all things. Lastly, the birth is announced to her ancestors by an offering. This is do

A husband must control his wife. That is the rule set forth by the Confucian society. "If a husband does not control his wife, then the rules of conduct manifesting his authority are abandoned and broken" (Lessons of Women, p.153). Men must control the women and women must serve the men. Boys are taught to read and study, while girls were taught nothing. Men thought that that is how it should be. Men should learn and women should be controlled.

Women can own no property. Wives may not own any of the property that her and her husband have, except for "what was given before the nuptial fire, what was given on the bridal procession, what was given in token of love, and what was received from her brother, mother, or father" (Laws of Manu, p.163). This is called the six-fold property of a woman.

Women are owned by the men that surround her. Women should never be independent. When a child, the girl is owned by her father. When married, it is her husband that owns her. Women must obey who owns her at all times and may never disrespect. A woman does, however, have the option of picking her husband if her father or brother does not offer her in marriage. By obeying her husband, a woman will automatically be "exalted in heaven" (Laws of Manu, p.164). If a woman were to disobey her husband, much harm is done to her. After death she would "enter the womb of a jackal" (Laws of Manu, p.164). She would also be plagued by diseases.

There are six causes of the ruin of women. They are "drinking spiritual liquor, associating with wicked people, separation from the husband, rambling abroad, sleeping at unseasonable hours, and dwelling in other men's houses" (Laws of Manu, p.164).

ne so that it is known that her primary duty is to continue worship in the home. These three acts symbolize the rest of the baby's life.

Women should have four qualifications: "(1)wom

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Approximate Word count = 1273
Approximate Pages = 5 (250 words per page double spaced)