How many women can we truly say are accomplished? I mean by the standards of the women in the 19th century at the time of Jane Austen and the Bronte sisters – women who could sew, sing, draw, play the piano and speak foreign languages.
I suppose women had to find some sort of amusement in the days where there was no such thing as the Internet, cell phones and television. If you’ve ever attempted quilting, you’ve either found it to be the most frustrating or relaxing pastime. I find it the latter, but tedious to be sure of; I think I might finish mine by the time I’m 30.
However, these accomplishments weren’t just taken on by the enthusiasm of young girls; much of it had to deal with the fact that mothers wanted to ensure their daughter’s marriage to the best candidate of a suitor. And many times, after the bride had married, she simply relinquished her accomplishments.
So, what do women do nowadays to attract a man they want to marry? Women don’t worry so much about what talents she possesses, as long as she can flirt, flaunt and make men flock to her. Our society dwells more on how to put on a front to attract others than revealing our true selves. That’s why we always see, “Ten ways make a guy fall for you” or “101 pick up lines.”
There are some similarities in the art of attracting a man in the 19th century as opposed to the 21st, I admit, but the important thing was that it was an art. At least back in the 1800s women had to at least put on an elaborate show by serenading a man in French. I don’t think those women would count being able to tie a cherry stem into a knot an accomplishment.
Sure, women now can actually attend schools and universities and pursue careers outside the home, but do we put as much effort into our education, careers and hobbies as the women of the 19th century did in their daily routine? The craft and care we take in doing tasks is severely lacking, we do things just to get them done, even if that means a bit on the sloppy side. For example, we’d rather buy pre-made, prepackaged pie crusts, making life “simple” than taking an extra step or two to make something original. I’m not saying we have to go back to churning our own butter and spinning our own yarn, but there is some satisfaction in running the extra mile.
I don’t think we’re too different than the women of the 19th century. The fact is that women still chase after men – in more shameful ways even – and once they do nab their prize, some forget all of their accomplishments for good. I’m not saying that becoming a full-time homemaker or mother is not a noble position, but I still believe women should use their education and talents for good.