Equality for Men and Women:
17th-century France was an era full of constant misogyny. One leading female figure was Marie de Gournay who consistently argued and fought for the equality of men and women. Primarily arguing that all humans are intellectually and morally equal and their prejudice is what leads to the inequality.
One of Gournary’s most compelling works was The Equality of Men and Women written in 1641. In this piece, Gournay argues for Women’s inherent rights and equality. She draws on both secular and religious examples to challenge the limited roles that society has given to women. One example that she uses is the difference in praise of Corrina and Alexander the Great (84). Corrina was an ancient poet and a rival of Pindar.. Corinna has defeated Pindar several times because her poems were written with clarity and had simple themes. Alexander the Great, was a great male figure who created one of the largest empires in the ancient world. In Gournay’s argument, she presents the idea that if Alexander a man can conquer the world by arms, why can’t a woman, like Corinna conquer by wisdom and virtue? There is no reason as to why a woman’s accomplishments should be put down if she can battle a man that has equal intelligence as her.
In this same writing, Gournary presents a different argument based on people’s roles in war. In France, women were denied the right to bear arms, because there was a necessity of “bearing and nursing children,” (84). During times of war, society often praises men for their valor on the battlefield, yet overlooks the bravery of women who sustain the homes and preserve the ideas of nationality to the children. Virtue is independent of gender. Women possess the same strength, wisdom, and moral power however the courage unseen.
Gournay believes that man and women were created having the same nature (87). If this is true then the virtue and capacity for good action should be displayed for both. Since the beginning of God’s creations, he has granted women the opportunity to become women leaders and teachers such as Huldah and Deborah. If God, himself, gave these rights to women then why should an ordinary man have the right to exclude women from God’s image. For many years the church has displayed male authority, but in some instances allowed women to have a bigger role out of necessity. During the period of many infant deaths, women were temporarily allowed to perform baptisms. If performing a sacrament was truly wrong for a woman, then why would a Father allow for it to happen. In short, the church leadership is what leads to prejudices and it was never due to God’s will.
The Ladies Complaint:
Gournay chose a life of independence as a woman with intellectual ambitions. In doing so she was criticized publicly. By exposing the hypocrisy and arrogance of men In The Ladies Complaint, she displayed that her actions were not wrong, but it was society’s beliefs that made it this way. Gournay starts off her argument by praising those who cannot relate to the injustices she describes-those who have the liberty to participate in public duties, responsibilities, and functions are blessed. Such people will never understand the ignorance and servitude that women face.
In her argument, Gournay presents the writings of famous men who refused to read the writings of women. One of her observations is that those whose minds are empty decorate their writings with long words to seem wise, but in reality those words mean nothing if they don’t add intellect to the writing itself. She points out that men achieve fame not through superior intellect, but through the prestige they built for themselves. While those with real intellect, women, are left to be ignored. As Gournay famously declares, “Ignorance is the mother of presumption” (134). Meaning that it is the lack of knowledge that leads people to make assumptions without proof or to be overly confident in their opinions. In many writings of Socrates, Plato, Saint Jerome, and even in God’s work there is no gender that divides humanity, rather there is just one creation. To deny this thought is to insult these thinkers and the divine authority itself. She concludes by mocking men who invent laws to only satisfy their pride and preserve their power.
Gurney argues it is men’s ignorance that sustains the division of men and women. Unlike men, Gournay believes that women should never take pride in dismissing men. Gournay argues that women often hold back their voices as they do not seek glory like men do. Overall the open-mindedness and thoughtfulness of women should be something that they take pride in. In Gournary’s words, “Those cut from such cloth will suffer, if they please, from being put on notice,” (105). In this statement she’s mocking men who pretend their prejudice is noble when in reality it only satisfies themselves. Ultimately the essay thus stands as a critique for patriarchal hypocrisy and a call for intellectual and moral equality for both genders.
Apology for the Woman Writing
As the criticisms for Gournay rose, the anxiety about identity and self-worth was constantly on her mind. Her attempt to defend or revive her name from society was feeling like a sacrifice. Still, she serves as a symbol, as she herself fought and experienced the totalities of men and their society, and she expresses the effects within this piece of writing.In this paper Gournay reflects a lot on her life which leads to her own experiences about betrayal, reputation, and moral hypocrisy. She argues that the value of intelligence and virtue, should be truly valued. If there is genuinity to a person’s intelligence then why should rank or sex matter.. In early France it was those who were on top who were truly respected. Even the “poor virtuous man” is regarded as nothing and as seen as invaluable to society.
Gouray was continuously judged for her lack of financial stability, when it was she who raised her family all by herself. In doing so she experienced how society can affect how women treat other women. Betrayal was a heart wrenching experience Gournay went through, as when society begins to change eventually it will take another two steps backward. By writing this statement, Gournay symbolizes intelligent women who have always and will always be criticised by men. Those who continuously mock Gournay are those naturally disturbed by wickedness and the critics’ hatred is the proof of her virtue.men.
Glossary
Alexander the Great- king of ancient Greece of Macedon, spent most of his life conducting a large military campaign.
False Eloquence- those who use elaborate or pretentious language to mask empty ideas.
Pindar- an ancient Green lyric poet, who celebrated the triumphs of athletes in ancient Green games.
Huldah and Deborah- Old Testament prophetesses (2 Kings 22:14-20; Judge 4:4-5:15), who were appointed by God to guide Israel in both peace and war.
Patriarchal Hypocrisy- the contradiction between men’s public claims to virtue, reason, and justice, and their private behaviors that reinforce inequality.
Saint Jerome- Praises the Book of Judith, who recounts the widow’s courageous redemption of the besieged Jewish city of Bethalia.