Vindication of the rights of woman: conformity and rebellion in Wollstonecraft's era

¶ … Vindication of the rights of woman: a reflection of conformity and rebellion in the times of Mary Wollstonecraft

The main focus of this document is Mary Wollstonecraft's a Vindication of the Rights of Woman (1792) and how this book relates to the struggle of women during the 18th century to enter not only the social arena on an equal level with men, but also the professional, educational and political fields. Wollstonecraft wrote her book without the traditional apology, proposing that there is little difference in the brains of men and women. Indeed, she pioneered the idea that women's education should focus on areas other than pleasing a man.

It is also highlighted however that Wollstonecraft, like other forward-thinking women of her time, experienced a dichotomy between her public and private lives. This dichotomy related to the struggle between rebellion and conformity within Wollstonecraft herself. Throughout her writing and indeed her life, the author experienced a struggle between the traditional values she grew up with and those she developed in response to her circumstances. At the same time she strove to do well in her traditionally family role, while also attempting to prove herself as a worthy author.

Wollstonecraft also influenced other prominent female figures of her time, of which the most notable is Anna Letitia Barbauld. Although the latter firmly differed from Wollstonecraft in her ideas relating to women and their role in society as well as their rights to formal education, she was indeed inspired by the fervor with which Mary Wollstonecraft fought to bring her ideas to light.

Finally, the conclusion summarizes the fact that Wollstonecraft concerned herself not only with her career as writer, but also with the broader implications of such a career for the women of her time. She used the power of her words to pioneer the rights of women to lives of their own and to an education that would match their intelligence. This makes her a figure worthy of study in a variety of disciplines.