The Little Review, March 1914 (Vol. 1, No. 1)Various
General
The Little Review, March 1914 (Vol. 1, No. 1)
Various
Literature, Modern -- 20th century -- Periodicals
In much the same frame of mind I read the articles that are appearing in
the current magazines on the subject of feminism and militancy. Edna
Kenton's in _The Century_ is the only one that is content to give one
side of the case. Decidedly, you will say on reading it, "That feller
wins." _The Atlantic_ prints an admirable article by W. L. George on
Feminist Intentions, and follows it hastily with a rebuttal by E. S.
Martin (_Much Ado About Women_), fearing, I imagine, lest it would seem
to be bowing its venerable head before new, profane altars. _Life_ gets
out a really excellent suffrage number, sane and logical and reasonable,
and has followed it up ever since with all the flings it can collect
against suffrage, militancy, or feminism in any form. A recent amusing
instance of this is a letter by one Thomas H. Lipscomb, who signs
himself, alack! A Modern Man, and adds that his name is legion. Judging
by the terror in the communication Mr. Lipscomb's modernity goes back as
far as the Old Testament Proverbs, and the womanly ideal he so
passionately upholds is in all respects the one the writer of this
particular proverb acclaims. I have heard it used as a text so often,
and have had it grounded into the very framework of my being so
consistently, that it seems almost strange and irreverent to regard it
with an alien and critical eye. And yet--just see what is expected of
the poor thing: She
Seeketh wool and flax and worketh willingly with her hands.
Bringeth her food from afar.
Riseth while it is yet night and giveth meat to her household;
Considereth a field, and buyeth it; with the fruit of her hands
planteth a vineyard.
Her candle goeth not out by night.
She
Layeth her hands to the spindle; and her hands hold the
distaff.
Maketh fine linen, and selleth it, and delivereth girdles unto the
merchant....
together with a few other airy trifles such as bearing and rearing
children, I suppose. But most significant of all--
Her husband is known in the gates where he sitteth among the
elders of the land.
I should think so indeed! There seems to be little else left for him to
do.
I can almost hear the writer smacking his lips over this description,
which no doubt tallies closely with Mr. Lipscomb's own notions.
For all this she is to
Receive of the fruit of her own hands, and her own works shall
praise her.
Possibly women have tired a little of letting their own works praise
them--and nothing else! But I am taking the letter too seriously.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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