Women Empowerment Through Congenial Relations

Women empowerment through congenial relations with men in "The Revolt of Mother"

In the short story, "The Revolt of 'Mother'," author Mary Wilkins opens the readers' eyes to another feminist read that deviates from the usual depiction of women. Most authors of her period in the nineteenth century would have depicted women who were relegated to subordinate positions in their society, often marginalized, and always powerless to resolve their own problem. Women, as portrayed in most literary works, have no choice but to give in to patriarchy, often resorting to death or madness just so they could escape their 'fate.'

In the case of "Revolt," Wilkins was able to elucidate how women, represented by 'Mother' Sarah Penn, can 'revolt' against men without creating an antagonistic relationship. Through Sarah's character, the story illustrated that males and females, despite their differences and the inevitable conflict arising between them because of the dominance of patriarchy in the society, still have room for reconciliation and understanding. However, one caveat that the author posed through Sarah's character is that this understanding must be conveyed with effectiveness to the male; otherwise, a female's action would be considered contradicting and antagonistic for the male.

Looking thoroughly through the character of Sarah Penn, she possesses qualities that are considered contradicting: while she has the somewhat subordinate nature of most women, keeping to herself, and relegated to doing household chores, she also has the intelligence and strength mostly associated with men. These qualities were manifested early on in the story, where she confronted her husband about his decision to build a barn rather than a new house for their family. Her insistence to talk despite his averse behavior, particularly when she decided to insist upon Adoniram, her husband, that what they need is a house and not another barn, was just an example of Sarah's 'iron character,' strengthened by her experience as a woman, mother, and wife to the Penn family.

What makes Sarah unique and interesting as a 19th century character is that she displayed awareness that she is a strong and intelligent woman. Towards the end of the story, she had described herself aptly to Mr. Hersey, stating: "...there are things people hadn't ought to interfere with...I've got my own mind an' my own feet, an' I'm goin' to think my own thoughts an' go my own ways, an' nobody but the Lord is goin' to dictate me unless I've mind to have him."