Read the excerpt from Edith Wharton’s short story “April Showers,” which was published in 1900:
For a few weeks longer she must bear to be misunderstood; then–ah, then if her novel were accepted, how gladly would she forget and forgive! But what if it were refused? She turned aside to hide the dismay that flushed her face. Well, then she would admit the truth–she would ask her parents’ pardon, and settle down without a murmur to an obscure existence of mending and combing.
How does Theodora’s attitude in this excerpt typify the thoughts of many women during Wharton’s day?
Many women aspired to work at fulfilling careers, but they lacked the opportunity to do so.
Most women wanted a better education so that they could relate to their husbands and fathers.
Women were tired of housework and wished that men took more interest in the home.
Many women were weary of working to make a living, and they wanted to just be homemakers.