Majority of societies that existed in the past and even today are patriarchal. It is a male-dominated society and history has more prominent male figures than their female counterparts. It is in the norm that women are to stay at home and fulfill their roles as mothers and homemakers. Society finds it daunting to see a woman fulfilling a man’s role.
In her essay, Ulrich highlights three women who lived in different times from each other. The first lady mentioned was Christine de Pizan, an Italian-French court writer in the 15th century. Next was Elizabeth Cady Stanton, an American social activist (Lewis). Lastly, Virginia Woolf, a 20th century English writer.
These women made history by not conforming to the norms set by the patriarchal society. Christine, Elizabeth and Virginia carved their own place in history by defying these standards. Ulrich stressed the vital moment in each of these women’s lives that broke the conventional expectations based on their gender. Women were not expected to take on the role of fighting, yet Christine de Pizan included Amazonians in “The City of Ladies” (“Christine de Pizan”). Elizabeth Stanton’s view on slavery spurred her abolitionist beliefs (“Elizabeth Staton”). For Virginia Woolf, she created a gifted fictional writer, a sister of Shakespeare and the hardships she would face due to her gender (“Virginia Woolf”).
Ulrich illustrated the lives of these women in each of their time (Lewis). The title is open to interpretation, hence appeared out of context and even raked criticisms. Throughout the course of history, women who were considered to be “good”, who obeyed the norms set for them, were forgotten in time. Ulrich points out that these women defied the roles set for them and thus history remembers them for stepping out of tradition.
Works cited
Bell, Susan G. The Lost Tapestries of the City of Ladies: Christine de Pizan's Renaissance Legacy. Oakland; University of California Press, 2004. Print
“Christine de Pizan”. New World Encyclopedia. MediaWiki, 3 May 2015. Web. 17 July 2016
“Elizabeth Cady Stanton.” History. A+E Networks, 2009. Web 17 July 2016.
“Virginia Woolf.” New World Encyclopedia. MediaWiki, 22 Jan. 2016. We. 17 July 2016
Lewis, Jone Johnson. “Elizabeth Cady Stanton: Learn More About a Woman Suffrage Pioneer.” Women’s History. N.p, 29 June 2016. Web. 17 July 2016.
