Today a tutor came over from England to being my brother’s lessons. I asked my father if I could learn alongside them, and confused by my request he said that I could be tutored by mother and the other women in our house. It was unfair, I deserved to be educated and understand our society. Father said I was privileged, and that most girls didn’t even want to know how to read or write, things I’ve been doing for years thanks to my mother, who was well educated before she became an indentured servant. She fought with father for hours and he finally agreed to me being tutored separately from the boys, but still I could argue I am elated to learn all that I can. I hear there are women up north who can speak at town meetings and run households by themselves. I know women have their place in the family, but I can still be educated and know my place can’t I? I have been distancing myself from my friends these last few weeks, they tell me A woman who is highly educated in academics is thought to be unusual and not sought after, they say I should be trying to learn how to become suitable for a husband. Which I have gracefully replied that I am less concerned with finding a husband and pleasing him, and more worried about meeting my own standards!
Hi Genevieve!! You’re probably much older than me (I’m 8), but we already have so many common ideas! Sometimes my mother doesn’t allow me to go to school because there are too many chores in the house. However, after hearing that you had to beg to get a tutor I consider myself lucky to be able to go to school, even though I can see that people in my town still don’t think education for girls is as important as education for boys. It’s definitely much easier up north in Massachusetts.
I’m sorry to hear that women don’t have a say in your community. At town meetings, my mother does speak up sometimes. In fact, I thought that was pretty normal. The south sounds so horrid, you should travel to New England. You’d like it much better.
Don’t listen to what your friends say. I think a woman who is highly educated is perfect. You don’t have to spend your entire life trying to become suitable for a man. I know when I grow up, I’m going to become a lawyer. Don’t give up Genevieve!