The Women of England, Their Social Duties, and Domestic Habits. Ellis, Sarah Stickney, 1812–1872. Chapter 1

           This document was written by Sarah Stickney Ellis in 1839. The Women of England, Their Social Duties, and Domestic Habits Chapter 1 describes the women of Great Britain and their influence within the “domestic sphere”. When this book was written, The Victorian Age was just taking its first steps. It was only two years prior, from the time this was written, that Queen Victoria ascended the throne. Queen Victoria was a large influence in England and shaped the habits and virtues of that time. Victoria reflected values of moral responsibility and domestic propriety. I believe that Ellis echoed those values through her writing. She writes about guidelines that women are expected to meet and refers to them as “home comforts” and “fireside virtues”.

Ellis speaks highly of the women of England in her writing; she states: “I do believe that the women of England are not surpassed by those of any other country for their clear perception of the right and the wrong of common and familiar things, for their reference to principle in the ordinary affairs of life, and for their united maintenance of that social order, sound integrity, and domestic peace, which constitute the foundation of all that is most valuable in the society of our native land (p. 36).”

The author starts off her writing by pointing out the negativities that she views from the raising generation. She challenges them to do better and to lead their communities as much as they can. She writes: “By far the greater portion of the young ladies of the present day, are distinguished by a morbid listlessness of mind and body, except when under the influence of stimulus, a constant pining for excitement, and an eagerness to escape from everything like practical and individual duty (p.12).”

After reading this section of the chapter, I was compelled to reflect upon the role of women in 1832. It was this year that the Reform Bill changed voting rights by granting a political voice to many among the working class who had not had a voice. However, women were not included in these reforms. This period saw little progress for women’s rights; women had little access to education, could not vote or hold public office, and could not own property. Nonetheless, Ellis discourages this behavior and states “you have deep responsibilities, you have urgent claims; a nation’s moral wealth is in your keeping (p.13).”

Throughout this chapter, Ellis writes a great deal about the significant influence that women have within their circles, or “domestic spheres”. Although she believes that men are dominant, she also believes that women have subtle power. “Whatever may be said of the capabilities of man’s hand, I believe the feminine qualification of being able to use the hand willingly and well, has a great deal to do with the moral influence of women. The personal services she is thus enabled to render, enhance her value in the domestic circle (p.16).” Her writing in this chapter reflected the women’s need to create fulfillment and happiness amongst the home and in others; this allows for a women’s’ greater influence in society that Ellis so diligently convers.

 Ellis, Sarah Stickney. “The Women of England, Their Social Duties, and Domestic Habits.” Victorian Women Writers Project, Indiana University, webapp1.dlib.indiana.edu/vwwp/view?docId=VAB7198&chunk.id=d1e561&toc.id=d1e554&brand=vwwp;query#docView.