role of women in 20th century America history
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A Women's role in society at the turn of the 20th century was greatly different from that which we know today. The beggining of the 20th century marked a time when American culture was profoundly shaped by fundamental religious values, a clear separation of social classes and the gender roles within the American family.
Much as today, the sanctity of marriage was a critical social aspect of 20th century American culture. The marriage was an expectation, a step in life that one had to achieve in order to fit into society. For example in 20th century America, a women's social identity became nothing more than an extension of her husband rather than the acknowledgement of her sense of self. This is clearly evident in Faulkner's short story in which the town folks state; "when she got to be thrity and was still single, we were not pleased" (Faulkner 3). Expressing to the reader the social pressure the protagonist was under marry. After years of having an overprotective father who drove away many interesting men and the apparently rejection by another, Emily poisons her wavering suttor
As well in both Faulkner's and Chopin's short stories the female protagonis are both members of societies upper class and depend on their husbands for financial support. Where as in Zora Hurston's short story "Sweat" the protagonist, Delia, is not fortunate and must both financially support herself and provide a home life for her husband, "Looka heah, Sykes, you done gone to fur. Ah been married to you fur fifteen years, and Ah been takin' in wachin' for fifteen years...