Woman Rights by Sarah Margaret Fuller Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Woman Rights by Sarah Margaret Fuller - Essay Example A woman's place was deeply connected to domestic duties. She was expected to cook and clean the house while tending to children's needs. She was not expected to hold elective offices or make decisions aside from her husband's approval. Moreover, she could claim no rights for children to which she gave birth. A woman's place was simple; she conformed. However, a different breed of woman was on the rise. Sarah Fuller's father instilled a somewhat nonconformist element in her at a very young age. Timothy Fuller, one who revered education, insisted his daughter fulfill a dual role-as caretaker of the household and as an educated individual (Macdonald). Before the age of four, Fuller's father forced her to read. By age eight, Fuller had to get out of bed at 5 a.m. to begin household duties but was not permitted to go to bed until completion of her lessons-which oftentimes was not until 11 p.m. In addition to tending to her six siblings, Fuller maintained the household and diligently studied. Not only did her father instill a love for learning in Fuller, but he also instilled an element not compatible with society's expectations of a woman. On one hand, society granted Fuller the opportunity to grow. She pursued the art of education and displayed her abilities through intellectual exchange with others.