Lessons For Women, Nu Jie Or Admonitions For Women?

Lessons for Women, Nu Jie or Admonitions for Women, was written in the Han Dynasty by a female historian and scholarly figure. In her life time, she was highly regarded amongst the people closest to her and was even appointed as a women’s teacher within the palace. Her eldest brother, Ban Gu, was a respected court historian and the two of them collectively contributed to the Han Shu, History of the Han Dynasty. Ban Zhao’s experience in the courts inspired her work in the Nu Jie in which she expresses the four most important virtues a woman has: “virtue, speech, comportment, and conduct.” (Mann) Ban Zhao drew inspiration from other women whom she respected within her family and thus based her work on the Confucian ideals of prioritizing family
This thought process ultimately allows both the husband and the wife to gain insight into one another and learn from the mistakes in their marriage, resulting in a healthier and happier marriage. It is interesting to note the differences that were starting to be made in terms of equality in the Han Dynasty. Although much of the Nu Jie would not be accepted currently, it provides insight to just how long of a battle with oppression women have faced. In Confucianism and Women: A Philosophical Interpretation by Li-Hsiang and Lisa Rosenlee, the authors provide insight into Ban Zhao’s familial life and how educated women surrounded her constantly, which is said to be what caused her to fight for equal education for women. In the past, household duties were specifically assigned to the women of the house and thus limited their ability to contribute to society because of the duties that were required of them at home. Ban Zhao was a widower and was able to spread her message to other women because she was not as constricted by her household duties and allowed her to advocate for