The Three Primary Sources Ban Zhao's Analysis

In a patriarchy, male dominates holds primary authority of land and household. Although patriarchy puts male authority over women’s, it did not prohibit the opinions of women. The three Primary Sources, Ban Zhao’s Lessons for Women, the Psalms of the Sisters, and Livy’s History of Rome address the women’s experience of living in a Patriarchy society as well as their behaviors to conform or resist what is expected of them. Each document also address how even the social class of a women can determine the limitations of a woman. In the Primary Source Ban Zhao’s Lessons for Women, Zhao’s writings reinforce patriarchy and Confucianism. Her writing conforms to the standards of the society and allows her to become a product by educating women on
Although is it argued through debate, there is complexity in weather the women in protest are in violation of the patriarchal laws. Counsel Marcus Porcius Cato is scandalized by women in protest in that women are materialist and do not follow the laws by protesting. However, women in protest are supported by Lucius Valerius to remove the law in belief that women have always stood up for the public good. Cato states, “ They want freedom, nay license… As soon as they begin to be your equals, they will have become your superiors” (pg.250). The idea that women in Rome resist their ways under the laws of Patriarchy comes from the belief of Cato. However, the document also shows that women are conforming to their costumes in Valerius words “ coming forth publicly in a case which concerns them directly… listen to how they have done so- always for the public good” (Pg.250). Women in the higher class saw an opportunity to advocate for themselves to gain some light equivalence to men. The complexity in the document on weather women are conforming to the laws is debated between men. The experience of women is show that their fate is rested upon debate of