Roselily's 'A Modest Proposal'

Roselily essentially dreads marrying the man due to the oppression she thinks she will face because of social norms cast during this time period. Although Roselily does not truly love the man, she attempts to see the situation in a positive light. Roselily makes the best of the situation she is in by listing all the benefits that will come from marrying the man.“She wonders what it will be like. Not to have to go to a job. Not to work in a sewing plant. Not to worry about learning to sew straight seams in workingmen's overalls, jeans, and dress pants. Her place will be in the home, he has said, repeatedly, promising her rest she had prayed for" (Walker 7). Roselily realizes that wedding him means she will no longer have to put in constant hours
Critic Cynthia Bily is a published author and editor that writes an assortment of criticisms for educational publishers (Bily 9). In the following, Bily explores the poetic components of Walker’s story. “Proposal. Promises.” Roselily holds on to these words, and remembers why she is about to make this big change. The marriage was not her idea; she is beyond thinking her way out of her situation. But her husband has suggested this marriage, and now it is happening. Like a chant, she repeats and remembers. “Proposal. Promises.” And what will she gain? She will become “respectable, reclaimed, renewed.” This, too, sounds like words she has repeated to herself many times, shaping them through trial and error to an alliterative and rhythmic chant. She is not thinking in full sentences or big ideas any more, but forcing herself to focus on the essential: ‘Respectable, reclaimed, renewed’ " (Bily 9). Roselily is only in it for what the man has promised her. She tells herself constantly that she will gain respect, renewal and reform. The man will provide Roselily with many benefits, but he also genuinely loves