Modern women and what is said of them : a reprint of a series of articles in the Saturday Review (1868)

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

26948

Title

Modern women and what is said of them : a reprint of a series of articles in the Saturday Review (1868)

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

Mrs. Lucia Gilbert Calhoun's introduction frames this 1868 reprint of *Saturday Review* essays as a necessary, if harsh, examination of Victorian women. The collection critiques the 'Woman Question,' addressing fashion, marriage, and intellect with satirical vigor. It challenges readers to distinguish between genuine virtue and the 'spoilt' behaviors of the era's fashionable elite.

Summary up to 500 words

Originally published in the London *Saturday Review* and later compiled by E. Lynn Linton, *Modern Women and What is Said of Them* offers a biting yet nuanced critique of the status of women in mid-19th-century society. The collection addresses the pressing "Woman Question," arguing that while fashionable women may appear superficial, they are products of a society that restricts their education and employment, forcing them to view marriage as their sole "business." The essays satirize the competitive nature of courtship, describing marriage as a speculative venture where women, like men, seek the most profitable match. This dynamic is further complicated by the "triangular theory" of marriage, where a wealthy third party supports a couple, reducing sentiment to a commodity. The text explores various archetypes, including the "Pretty Preacher," who uses religious authority to seduce men, and the "Pigeons," a metaphor for wealthy men hunted by women for financial gain. A significant portion is dedicated to "Spoilt Women," defined not by social status but by a lack of resilience and an inability to serve others. These women, pampered from youth, are intolerant of rivalry and incapable of sacrifice. The author contrasts them with the "noble dignity of service" found in women of pure character, noting that spoilt women demand servility rather than offering it. Furthermore, the essays tackle the materialism of the upper class, mocking the obsession with dress and social pre-eminence over home and children. The author suggests that the fault lies not with the women themselves, but with the societal structures that teach them that inglorious ease is better than work. True dignity, the collection concludes, comes from mental training and the ability to earn one's own bread. Ultimately, the work serves as a complex defense of women's potential while honestly confronting the societal flaws that hinder their development, suggesting that if women were given equal opportunities and wages, they would naturally seek employment rather than dependence.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Categories

• Women
• Social Issues