Well-Behaved Women Seldom Make History
In the essay, "Well-Behaved Women Seldom Make History," by Laurel Thatcher Ulrich a well known Professor at Harvard University. Ulrich explains the history of suppressed women in the late 16th century and the meaning behind her quote that made her famous.
Ulrich begins her essay with a response from a student when she learns that her famous quote had been featured on many occasions. Ulrich then clarifies the meaning behind her quote saying that good women on few occasions make history as a response to how women where portrayed in Puritan funeral sermons. Ulrich then shares her experience with other people wanting to use her quote, in some cases people had asked for permission for it use and others to capitalize or make a profit. Ulrich makes
a point that the meaning behind “Well-Behaved Women” has played a role in stereo types all throughout history and which limitations where set for women as to how a they should act. Ulrich then shares her insight comparing Mae West, Rosa Parks, and Martha Ballard. Ulrich talks about Ballard as being one of the “Well-Behaved Woman” or good wife she was considered worthy of a funeral sermon. Ulrich concludes her reasons for writing stating that it was an attempt to help women gain an awareness of the issues woman have faced.
Ulrich gives a good clarification of her ideas and its origin of thought. Ulrich manages to capture a large audience as her ideas have been transformed into slogans and used by many people around the world.
Throughout the essay Ulrich shows how women have been suppressed and how non-pious women where not remembered during funeral ceremonies. Ulrich stresses that these ideas on women have endured the same judgements up into today’s world, however more women are now aware and have made efforts to change these views of the past.
Ulrich begins her essay with a response from a student when she learns that her famous quote had been featured on many occasions. Ulrich then clarifies the meaning behind her quote saying that good women on few occasions make history as a response to how women where portrayed in Puritan funeral sermons. Ulrich then shares her experience with other people wanting to use her quote, in some cases people had asked for permission for it use and others to capitalize or make a profit. Ulrich makes
a point that the meaning behind “Well-Behaved Women” has played a role in stereo types all throughout history and which limitations where set for women as to how a they should act. Ulrich then shares her insight comparing Mae West, Rosa Parks, and Martha Ballard. Ulrich talks about Ballard as being one of the “Well-Behaved Woman” or good wife she was considered worthy of a funeral sermon. Ulrich concludes her reasons for writing stating that it was an attempt to help women gain an awareness of the issues woman have faced.
Ulrich gives a good clarification of her ideas and its origin of thought. Ulrich manages to capture a large audience as her ideas have been transformed into slogans and used by many people around the world.
Throughout the essay Ulrich shows how women have been suppressed and how non-pious women where not remembered during funeral ceremonies. Ulrich stresses that these ideas on women have endured the same judgements up into today’s world, however more women are now aware and have made efforts to change these views of the past.