The New Woman's Commonplace Book

I was reading the morning paper today and came across this article. After reading it, I sat there for a second appalled by the words I had just read. I am hurt by what has been written about me as a “monstrosity of man’s creation.” I do not enjoy reading about what other people think of me and my beliefs, but I have no choice. The hate and criticism are what motivate me to work even harder towards equality and more opportunities. Why should I stop because society tells me to? I have done nothing but fight for the rights of women and then other women go and ridicule me for my actions and…

Everyday, the articles, poems, and letters I have collected remind me of what my duty is and how to overcome the many obstacles being a woman has brought me. I have kept Elizabeth Barrett Browning’s “To George Sand: A Recognition,” by my bedside for many years now as a reminder to be a bold and fearless woman despite what society tells me to do. As a woman, I am faced with these trying times of inequality and discrimination. I have learned that I must continue to keep my head up and continue working for equality. George Sand was actually a French female novelist who took the name of a male…

I am filled with happiness and admiration as I read this newspaper article honoring the lady medical graduates at the University of London. I was reading the morning paper and came across this article. My eyes could not wander off the page as I sat in my chair intrigued reading about the successes of these British women in the medical field. It was with great pleasure I read about Miss Worley and Mrs. Scharlieb. These women give me hope for the future of our society. Men are useless and it is our job as women to work towards an equal society where women are allowed just as many…