In this extract, Josefina Pelliza refutes Miss Maria Eugenia’s ideas on the present condition of women during the 19^th century. She believes that making women “entirely free”, such as the independence of men, would lead to the loss of their charms and poetic prestige of their weakness. She also highlights the idea that women have a sacred throne in the household (where they best belong), which doubles their beauty.

She claims that independence of women would lead to a change in society, in the aspect that a change in gender roles would lead to a different household structure and a change in the definition of “family” in the future to come.

Josefina Pelliza conveys how women are beautiful, and should not be subjected to hardship, as men are. Women are seen as weak, requiring support from their husbands in order to maintain the “beauty” of family unity, which creates a tender spirit in both husband & wife. Furthermore, men are to protect their wives. Whereas women are born to love, be sheltered by man, and at the same time hold the family structure together, raising the children.

Josefina was against the total freedom of women, however, this did not mean that she believed they should be mistreated and stripped from their rights. I believe women should have complete freedom, as any individual should. However, women will always have the role of being a mother or to act as a “guide” to those she loves, those who are family to these women.