The Mother of Feminism: Mary Wollstonecraft and Her Voice Essay Example

that women were viewed as lower creatures than men due to the lack of education they received, which left many unaware of their current state.Wollstonecraft criticized not only the limitations in female education, but also how women behaved towards their situation in society. According to her, women's conduct and manners show that their minds are not in a healthy state. She compared them to flowers planted in too rich soil, sacrificing strength and usefulness for beauty, only to fade away before reaching maturity. Women do not respect themselves and appeal to their husbands as the ideal wife for all men instead of being able to speak their minds and show their true emotions. Wollstonecraft believes that women should be less dependent on their husbands and encouraged to acquire both a strong mind and body. Through her writing, Wollstonecraft enabled the women of her time to see society from a female perspective and recognize the daily wrongdoings they were committing. Her key view emphasized the need for women to improve their behavior towards matters concerning power and education.Wollstonecraft believed that women in her time should take part in social and political affairs. She published the Vindication of the Rights of Woman in 1782 to help women break free from imposed identities and improve their lives, inspiring others around the world to do the same. Although her work was met with criticism and insults such as "philosophizing serpent" and "God's angry woman," it caused a revolution in women's rights, becoming a regular topic of discussion throughout Europe. Despite mixed reception, the significance of her movement towards women's independence cannot be denied in a socially and politically vulnerable

society.Mary Wollstonecraft exemplified a woman who lived independently and prosperously without reliance on a husband. Born in 1759 as the oldest daughter of a struggling family with six sons and daughters, Mary experienced gender discrimination at a young age (Ovidious 9). Her mother favored her eldest son, leaving Mary feeling neglected and undervalued (Wollstonecraft 9). Despite being the eldest, Mary did not receive equal treatment in regards to inheritance and respect (Lewis 5). Due to financial struggles, Mary received a limited education but taught herself as she was constantly curious about learning alongside her friend Fanny Blood, who shared her passion for education (Lewis 4). At 19 years old, tired of family turmoil and looming poverty, Mary left her home to become a journalist. Although the job helped alleviate financial struggles, it lacked prestige (Wollstonecraft 10).

Despite her mother's lack of affection towards her, Mary Wollstonecraft took care of her when she became seriously ill, while her “other elder child” did not (Ferreri 0:1:26-0:1:33). In 1783, together with her sisters and Fanny Blood, Mary established a school in Newington Green that provided education for both students and teachers (Ovidious 8). Although financial problems forced the school to close shortly thereafter, Mary's initiative demonstrated her independence and diligence since a young age.

Mary Wollstonecraft further demonstrated her self-sufficiency during her relationship with William Goodwin, as she did not conform to traditional gender roles. Despite living in separate apartments, both she and Goodwin worked and earned a living individually (Ferreri 0:10:45-0:11:15). Her resolute and hard-working character was evident throughout her life. Mary's admirable qualities showed that she had the determination to embody the principles she

believed in.

Mary Wollstonecraft was pivotal in history, inspiring individuals to contemplate her viewpoints on elevating women's status by authoring the Vindication of the Rights of Woman and setting a model for true womanhood. Her reputation as the Mother of Feminism was earned through her daring engagement in a society that rejected her, her gender, and even her beliefs. By persistently challenging a male-dominated society, Wollstonecraft exemplified remarkable integrity and admiration for her own sex and herself.