What Is The Theme Of Chapter 6 Of A Vindicaation Of The Rights Of Women

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Out of all the readings from weeks 6-10, Mary Wollstonecraft’s A vindication of the Rights of Women spoke to me the most. Specifically, I found chapter 6 very insightful. I interpreted the chapter to focus mainly on Wollstonecraft’s observance that women view love as a duty because that mindset is embedded in them, therefore, the way women act with regard to dealing with men is simply all they know. She goes on to make many valid points as to why providing women with a better education could lead to a solution. To further analyze the theme of chapter 6, I will be elaborating on this quote: “…till women are led to exercise their understandings, they should not be satirized for their attachment to rakes: or even for being rakes at heart, when it appears to be the inevitable consequence of their education.” (Wollstonecraft 145-146 A vindication of the Rights of Women). …show more content…

I would argue that, in the quote I selected, Wollstonecraft seems to be implying that you cannot condemn women for acting in the ways they do when that is simply the consequence of the way they were conditioned and nurtured since youth. Furthermore, she argues that until women have an education that encourages them to form their own unique thoughts and passions, they should not be criticized for their seemingly promiscuous behavior, and attraction to “rakes”. I believe this to be true, as women had no further education that would allow them to think outside the social norms and truly consider their choices. If you are told from childhood to put men on a pedestal, dress in a way that appeals to the male gaze, and only act in accordance with the way you are taught, there seems to be no room for reason or