Although I have not read the Bible as much as my younger self, the Bible still holds a special place in my heart. While my sisters and I have been relentlessly working in our small photography studio, I have noticed that I keep coming back to read the Bible. After father passed away, I have not read as much as I once used to. I look back at when father assigned us different verses of the Bible to read when we were younger. Although I frequently did not read all of them, I do remember this specific verse. Proverbs 31:25: “She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come” (New International Version). Going back to this verse brings me some nostalgic joy. I am reminded that father always wanted the best for us sisters. I love the lesson that this verse taught us. By assigning us this verse, father taught us that we are all strong and that as women, we could face anything to come. This verse also taught us how capable we are and how we could overcome any obstacles. Specifically, I am reminded by Proverbs 31:25 on how strong we have become. After working with my sisters in our small business, I have come to realize how this verse can apply to us. We have faced numerous difficulties, but we have managed to overcome these challenges each time. I remember one time when a customer argued with us about discounting our print prices because of the work being done by women instead of men. Oh, how I remember how furious that made me and how we never backed down from this customer. I think that this verse truly captures how strong we have all become.
Editorial Commentary: The Bible verse Proverbs 31:25 challenges the Victorian societal standards for women and reveals how Phyllis rebels against these societal notions. The first part of Proverbs 31:25, “She is clothed with strength and dignity” (New International Version) characterizes the traits that strong women possess. The ideal woman should have a strong character while also maintaining respectability. The second part, “she can laugh at the days to come” (New International Version), describes the effects of a woman’s strength. Through their strength and capable nature, women can “laugh” at the future because of how prepared they are. As the Bible reveals, this verse demonstrates how the strength of a woman can overcome any future hardships. Contrary to this perspective, the Victorian society did not view women as strong. Instead, the Victorians believed that women were inferior to men and that women needed to depend on men for support. As a result, Victorian women faced strict societal standards and enjoyed few freedoms. Due to these standards, Phyllis collects this Bible verse because of its supportive view on the strength of a woman, which contradicts this Victorian belief. Phyllis also goes against the Victorian societal standards by operating and working a business as a woman. Instead of following these beliefs by depending on men, Phyllis decides that she would rather challenge society’s expectations for women by operating a business with her sisters. As a result, Phyllis encounters discrimination and obstacles based on her gender, such as when the customers ask for a discounted print price. However, similar to the Bible verse, Phyllis remains strong and does not back down from these customers. By paralleling the verse, Phyllis demonstrates the characteristics of a strong woman and is able to overcome these gender-based obstacles.
Citation:
The Bible. New International Version, Biblica, 1978.
“The Holy Bible.” The Holy Bible (c. 1880), www.victorianweb.org/art/design/books/leather/64.html. Accessed 9 Nov. 2020.