The Not So Domestic Goddess

"I do not wish them to have power over men; but over themselves."

Wollstonecraft's Vindication challenges the "divine rights" of husbands, a false system of education and a double standard when it comes to chastity and fidelity. What it all boils down to is allowing a woman to use her own freewill, Wollstonecraft is not trying to present an argument against marriage or men; she is presenting an alternative to the societal restrainsts placed on women.

Education seems to be the foundation for Wollstonecraft's argument. If women are afforded the opportunity to become more educated their relationship with their husband and family will improve. Wollstonecraft argues a woman needs educated even if they are mothers because how "Can they be expected to govern a family with judgment, or take care of the poor babes whom they bring into the world?" without an education.

Although Wollstonecraft advocates education for women, it seems she draws class distinctions on who should be educated: "women in the common walks of life are called to be wives and mothers, I lament that women of a superior cast have no way to pursue usefulness and independence." Being a woman of "superior cast" herself, Wollstonecraft is showing her ideals are not as forward thinking as one would hope.

Shadows of Wollstonecraft's unhappy childhood creep into her essay and afford the reader a brief glimpse into her feelings towards her parents. One cannot help but read the disappointment felt by Wollstonecraft in the following line: "Parental affection is often but a pretext to tyrannize." How unfortuneate to have such bitter feelings and resentment. Wollstonecraft points out "it is unreasoned parental authority that first injures the mind," but one could argue that the same authoritive atmosphere made her strong enough to speak her mind when so few women had that opportunity.