Woman in the Nineteenth Century

Fuller discusses the advantages women in America experience; they have relative freedom regarding intellectual and spiritual pursuits, as they are not burdened by the same social demands for outward success or material gain. This freedom allows women the time and space to reflect, meditate, and grow spiritually. Fuller suggests that American women are uniquely positioned to seek out and discover deeper truths and “the seeds of a heavenly future” because they are less bound by tradition and societal conventions than women in other countries (102).

Fuller then delves into the public perception of women and their roles, observing how society treats them with chivalry and respect but often still in a patronizing manner. She comments on the progress women have made, especially those like Angelina Grimke and Abby Kelly, who have spoken publicly with moral authority and have managed to sway even hostile audiences. Fuller also reflects on the legacy of Dr. Channing, whose respect for women as individual souls was particularly noteworthy. She highlights the importance of viewing women as complete beings with their own destinies, free from societal constraints.

Turning to the broader intellectual and philosophical influences on women’s roles, Fuller references thinkers like poet Percy Bysshe Shelley and reformer William Kinmont, who saw the increased presence of female qualities, such as compassion and gentleness, as essential to societal progress.