Woman in the Nineteenth Century

Fuller’s approach to the overarching theme of Gender Equality and Human Potential is at the core of her argument. She frames men and women as  “two halves of one thought” (vi), asserting that both must develop together for humanity to flourish. Her remark, “As men become aware that few men have had a fair chance, they are inclined to say that no women have had a fair chance” (18), encapsulates the recognition that gender inequality stems from broader societal constraints that have historically hindered the growth of both sexes. Fuller’s use of this observation reflects her nuanced understanding of oppression: men have not fully realized their potential, just as women have been denied the opportunity to do so. This insight challenges the status quo, suggesting that societal progress is a collective journey and that women’s development is crucial for both genders to reach their full capabilities.

Fuller’s argument that gender equality is essential for human potential was seen as revolutionary at the time. In the 19th century, rigid gender roles confined women to domestic spaces, and their public participation was considered a threat to social order. Fuller challenges these norms by invoking historical and mythological references, such as the figures of Orpheus and Prometheus, to demonstrate that both men and women possess innate, divine potential. Her call for women to have the same opportunities as men is more than just a demand for equal rights; it is a vision for a society in which both genders can mutually benefit from each other’s growth. Fuller’s use of figurative language, such as the metaphor of a tree needing its roots free of “cankering worms” to fully thrive, underscores this idea of potential. She describes how social restrictions are like worms that rot the foundation of human development and how only when both women and men are free from these constraints can the “flower” of humanity reach its full potential.

Fuller also draws attention to The Hypocrisy of Freedom in America, a theme that permeates much of her work. In these early pages, she repeatedly critiques the disconnect between America’s professed values and its treatment of marginalized groups, particularly women and enslaved people. Her comparison of the nation’s treatment of women to its treatment of Indigenous Americans and Black individuals highlights the moral contradictions within American society. Fuller’s critique of this hypocrisy is reflective of the broader social and political tensions of her time. In the mid-19th century, America was grappling with issues of enslavement, women’s rights, and the expansion of democratic ideals. Fuller’s work aligns with other reform movements of the era, such as abolitionism and the early women’s suffrage movement, and her writing serves as an indictment of how the ideals of freedom and equality had been distorted. By placing women’s rights within the same framework as the abolition of enslavement, Fuller underscores the universality of oppression and the need for collective liberation. Her linguistic style, particularly her use of irony and moral appeals, highlights the uncomfortable truth that the nation’s systemic injustices undermine its claim to true freedom.

Moral and Spiritual Progress Through Individual Growth is another recurring theme in Fuller’s work. She emphasizes that true societal advancement can only be achieved through individual moral and intellectual growth. She most clearly articulates this idea in her use of the metaphor of individual minds as “flowers” that bloom amid “morasses.”For Fuller, the progress of humanity is contingent on the cultivation of each individual’s inner life, and this cultivation must be free from the constraints imposed by societal norms. Her advocacy for women’s education and intellectual development is rooted in the belief that only by nurturing individual potential can society as a whole progress.

The historical context of Fuller’s writing plays a crucial role in understanding the depth of her critique. Written during a rapidly changing American society, Woman in the Nineteenth Century reflects the growing discontent with traditional structures of power and authority. The Second Great Awakening, a religious revival movement, sparked a renewed focus on individual morality and social reform, influencing Fuller’s emphasis on personal growth as a means of societal improvement. Additionally, the role of the Transcendentalist movement, with its focus on self-reliance and individual spirituality, is evident in Fuller’s writing. Her belief that both men and women must develop their own identities resonates with Transcendentalist ideals of personal autonomy and moral duty.