What are Women Made of? by Sabine Baring-Gould
The work explores various cultural myths and beliefs surrounding the creation and nature of women, contrasting them with those of men. It begins with a nursery rhyme that suggests girls are made of "sugar and spice," only to later reveal a more complex and often negative view rooted in religious and historical texts. The author discusses interpretations from medieval scholars and rabbinical sources, which often depict women as flawed or secondary to men, created from Adam's rib to symbolize their inherent imperfections. The text delves into various creation myths from different cultures, including those from Madagascar, Native American tribes, and ancient Greek and Norse traditions. Each myth presents a unique perspective on the origin of women, often highlighting their roles as companions, nurturers, or even as sources of trouble. For instance, Hesiod's account portrays woman as a punishment for man, while Norse mythology presents a more respectful view, emphasizing women's labor and domestic virtues. The author critiques the male-dominated narratives that often diminish women's significance, suggesting that these stories reflect societal attitudes rather than any inherent qualities of women. The work also touches on the romanticized views of women in literature, contrasting them with harsher realities depicted in myths. Ultimately, the text concludes with a humorous and modern interpretation of women's essence, suggesting they are made of "sugar, tincture of arnica, and soft soap," symbolizing sweetness, healing, and the complexities of domestic life. This blend of myth, critique, and humor serves to highlight the multifaceted nature of women throughout history and literature.
By Sabine Baring-Gould · First published 1896 · Genre: Philosophical Essay, Cultural Critique, Mythology · 4,904 words
First lines
In the palmy days of childhood we were taught in nursery jingle, and we implicitly believed, that little girls were made of
Sugar and spice / And all that's nice.
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What are Women Made of? is listed on Textopian as an essay by Sabine Baring-Gould, dated 1896 CE.
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- Work type: Essay
- Author: Sabine Baring-Gould
- Date: 1896 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Philosophical Essay, Cultural Critique, Mythology, Historical Analysis, Literary Criticism
- Length: 4,904 words
- Structure: 1 section, 47 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
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- Women Do Not Want It by Charlotte Perkins Gilman
- The Suffragist by G. K. Chesterton
- We As Women Charlotte Perkins Gilman by Charlotte Perkins Gilman
- The Eternal Feminine by Carolyn Wells
- Inconsistency Of The Sex Instinct by George Bernard Shaw
Genres
- Philosophical Essay — The book explores deep philosophical questions about the nature and origin of women, reflecting on societal views and myths.
- Cultural Critique — It critiques historical and cultural narratives surrounding women, examining various myths and their implications.
- Mythology — The text discusses various creation myths from different cultures, focusing on the origins of women.
- Historical Analysis — It analyzes historical perspectives on women, referencing notable figures and texts from different eras.
Tags
gender · feminism · identity · society · culture · women's rights · history · literature · psychology · sociology · empowerment · gender roles