Submissiveness:Three of the Four Ideals of Womanhood

Submissiveness is defined as “unresistingly or humbly obedient”. During the 19Th century, this was highly expected of all women. The men were never to be submissive and took control of life. Women were to submit to fate, God, and to men in society. Clothing played a large part in reinforcing the passiveness of women. Their corsets worn under dresses pinch organs and made it difficult to breathe. Also, the amount of clothing was numerous and made it extremely to move. A true woman knew how to ask for wisdom and loyalty and in return was willing to surrender all of her affection and fully submit to her spouse. This idea is expressed in George Burnap’s The Sphere and Duties of Woman. The quote, “A really sensible women feels her dependence. She does what she can, but is conscious of her inferiority and therefore grateful for support.” perfectly epitomizes men’s view of the submissiveness of women.

Citation:
Lavender. "The Cult of Domesticity and True Womanhood."
www.library.csi.cuny.edu. N.p., n.d. Web. 14 Jan. 2010.
truewoman.html>.