A New England Nun1
The American feminist movement in the 1960s was a struggle for women's rights and freedom. It attempted to shatter the various traditional ideals that sustained the oppression of women and kept them in a subordinate position. Although the historical movement did not take shape until after the mid 20th century, the foundation for this struggle was evident long before. One place in which it is exhibited is in Mary Wilkins Freeman's 1891 progressive and controversial narrative "A New England Nun." Through the main character, Louisa Ellis, Freeman challenges customarily accepted stereotypes of womanhood. Although she portrays Louisa as a traditional late 19th century domesticated woman, she also shows how Louisa is able to assert an autonomous identity and achieve personal satisfaction. Evidence of Louisa asserting an individualistic identity is seen in her decision to remain single and responsible for only herself. Moreover, support of the main character's attainment of self-fulfillment is displayed in her interaction with her home, pet dog Caesar, and productive activities. Louisa's autonomy is evident in her decision to remain single. Although engaged to her fiance, Joe Dagget, for fifteen years, she has spent fourteen
" Consequently, by living independently for such a prolong period of time, Louisa develops a sense of autonomy and independence-components she now values and cherishes. She becomes nervous, if not enraged, when Joe later knocks over her workbasket. Thus, when Louisa overhears Joe and Lily Dyer, Joe's "other" lover, talking, she has an excuse to break off the marriage with Joe. "Louisa's period of isolation not only enables her to attain an autonomous identity, but also self-satisfaction. In the end, the sacrifices she is forced to concede are too precious to relinquish. One situation that highlights this point is Louisa's encounter with Joe following his return for Australia. It is a place of worship for her, just like a convent is to a nun. Caesar's impose isolation came about as a result of a minor transgression he committed fourteen years ago in which he bit a neighbor's hand, while Louisa isolation transpired because of the unfortunate loses of her mother and brother and her suitor being away. Gratification in performing her productive activities is revealed in her account of the activities that she will have to sacrifice if she marry Joe: "Louisa dearly loved to sew a linen seam, not always for use, but for the simple, mild pleasure which she took in it. " This is an extremely alarming realization for Louisa. Louisa gets upset at Joe for disturbing her autograph and her gift books. By marrying Joe, Louisa is no longer simply responsible for herself, but also for Joe, his mother, and everyone else who visits their house: "Sterner tasks than these graceful but half-needless ones would probably devolve upon her. Through Louisa, Freeman shows that women can successfully perform the dualistic task of maintaining certain customary beliefs and expectations as well as form an individualistic identity. She takes comfort in Caesar, for he and his condition mirror that of hers. Her short story provides a descriptive portrayal of the pervasive theme of psychic oppression and rebellion of women from mainstream society's traditional ideals of womanhood and autonomy.
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Acceptance Essays
