During the reign of Queen Victoria, a
woman's place was in the home, as
domesticity and motherhood were
considered by society at large to be a
sufficient emotional fulfilment for females.
At the heart of the domestic ideal was the mother and her children.
Since early in the 19th century the role of mother had been idealised.
Motherhood was no longer simply a reproductive function, but was
imbued with symbolic meaning. Domesticity and motherhood were
portrayed as sufficient emotional fulfilment for women.
Quotes
Prose
'If it was not a mothers place to look after her children, then who's was it?'
Written by Chopin, 'The Awakening'. Based around
the main character of Edna who is trying to escape
societal constraints.
Technique- Rhetorical Question
Drama
'Women marry because they
are bored. Men marry because
they are tired. Both are
disappointed.'
Said by Lord Illingworth in
'A Woman Of No
Importance'.