Oppression Of Women In Charlotte Perkins Gilman's If I Were A Man

In a single day, the average woman speaks about thirteen thousand more words than men, according to Daily Mail (Macrae). Although women talk more, one may wonder what the men have to say, specifically concerning their views of women. In “If I Were a Man,” written by Charlotte Perkins Gilman in 1914, the main character, Mollie, ventures through the world of her husband after wishing to be a man for a day. She accompanies her husband Gerald’s own conscience as he takes the train to work. In doing so, she not only hears what the men talk about when women are not around, but also learns of the men’s assumed authority over their fellow gender. Gilman highlights the oppression of women in “If I Were a Man” by illustrating the way the world is built
During her train ride, Mollie, as Gerald, experiences the unique conversations that men have about women when they are not present. At one point, Mr. Miles complains about giving his seat to a woman in another car, adding that women get anything they want. Then another man respond, “ ‘They haven't much mind to make up, you know--and if they do, they'll change it’ ” (Gilman para 29). Referring to women in this way undermines their humanity, by implying that they do not have brains capable of meaningful thought or decision. Although females have the same basic biology as men, somehow the men view them as much less competent and valuable. To strengthen this attitude, Rev. Alfred Smythe says, “ ‘The real danger… is that they will overstep the limits of their God-appointed sphere’ ” (Gilman para 30). Even a pious man such as Rev. Smythe has the audacity to claim that women have limits and furthermore declares that they are determined by God. Again, humans are one species, whether man or woman. Although gender does not change a person’s worth or intelligence, these men seem to believe that it does. Hearing the men speak of women in a degrading tone, Mollie recognizes their oppression of women and suggests, as Gerald, that women are greater than the men
Mollie’s wish to become a man provides her with a glimpse into the world of men. She finds that men think differently and speak judgmentally of women when in groups. Unlike women, they have some freedoms that make life slightly more extravagant, such as their ability to carry money and access pockets. As one notices the differences between men and women, it is also helpful to consider the prototypical woman that society has constructed; such a female is described within the first paragraphs of the story. People expect women to be small, pretty, charming, caring, sociable, and fashionable in their attire. As mothers women are to be devoted and as wives they are to be loving, but humans should not have to fill certain roles determined by their gender. Although people may view women as their established prototype, each one is different and unique, as are men. Overall, the restraints of being a women, outlined in the beginning of the story, and the inequality they face when compared to men, oppress women as a whole. At the same time, the way men build their surroundings to fit themselves, have freedoms that women do not, and speak demeaningly of women without their knowledge, strengthens the inequality between the genders. As humans, men and women should be