In previous times, women were not guaranteed the same liberties as men; therefore, many women were restricted to being poor and caring for their underprivileged children. In the short story Roselily by Alice Walker, the main character Roselily, finds herself in a parallel predicament. Restricted by poverty, Roselily decides to marry a Muslim man to escape the harsh realities of her life. She knows she doesn't love him ,but she feels it's a small price to pay for her struggle. Roselily's decision to marry to increase her finances and live a less labor motivated life, in turn leaves her more imprisoned with herself than before.
             While at the alter, Roselily takes a glimpse into the life ahead of her. She begins to realize her decision to escape the poverty of her life may have caused her to gain more problems then she would have lost. She knows he is financially superior to her, but in order to partake in his wealth she would have to adjust her lifestyle completely. She would be required to alter her religion and become Muslim. At the time, the decision to her seemed effortless, but as time progressed, she began to consider the amount she would have to conform to adapt to his lifestyle. She compares ropes, chains, and handcuffs to his religion. She thinks of how she would have to sit apart from others with covered head. It was her chance to be on top, but also, it was as if she was escaping the prison of poverty in turn to be imprisoned by his religion. She feels trapped, but it seems to her that this is the only way out. She wants freedom, and she finds it in a Muslim man who will take her to Chicago for a more pleasurable life. He promises she would never have to work again; hence, she would be obligated to bear his children and stay home. She envisions how her children will be: "exalted on a pedestal, with a stalk that has no roots." She wonders if she will be able to make new r
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