Introduction
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From The Norton Book of Women's Lives, Introduction, by Phyllis Rose
“No sooner did I realize that I was likely to grow up to be a woman than I wanted to know what the possibilities were for women’s lives.” (11)
The Norton Book of Women’s Lives by Phillis Rose explores famous literature written by powerful women. Rose, who chose specific stories from female literature, introduces the book by discussing the biographies and autobiographies of the famous women behind these works. These women led extraordinary lives filled with passion, pain, and discovery. They are extraordinary, not because of who they married, but because of their experiences which separate them from the patriarchal world. Patriarchal society holds a certain expectation for women’s lives. It usually involves marrying a man, having children, being obedient and supportive, etc. Some of these women, such as Eleanor Roosevelt succeeded in fulfilling that expectation. Although she was driven by duty, many of the women behind the stories of this book led much different lives and were driven by different values. All women must face societal expectations, whether they agree to pursue them or run away from them, and this is what makes the female perspective so significant.
Many would argue that the only notable women are ones who have met expectations, achieved success, and led a life filled with altruistic actions or moral character. Is this really what makes the female experience notable? Of course, those women of stature are important, but the female experience is notable simply because it is the female experience. This is why so many girls took up the pen after reading and seeing the significance of Ann Frank’s Diary. All women have different dreams, values, and challenges, and this makes each of their narratives unique to them. No one is able to judge whether someone’s life is more meaningful than others. All life has value and being a woman in patriarchal society adds a whole new layer of uniqueness and perspective to any female writing. This is just one of the reasons why great works of female literature hold such power.
I think when reading and analyzing the words that Rose is using and what she is actually saying, in order to understand why she chose the women that she did, you have to refer back to how she got onto a personal level. Not only did she say why these women were more intriguing to her, but she also connected some of their stories and lives to hers. She also pointed out how the typical "married women" that she used to read about or were available to her did not spark her interests. Good job!
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comment! I agree, Rose has a passion for telling these women's stories because she deeply wants to find one to relate to. She is looking for a role model and the expectations she has for one are different. She is looking for someone who doesn't respond to duty or expectations, a wild "cowgirl". I hope to also find women to relate to when we begin reading!
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