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Notes for the proper 18th Century girl

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MsAmerica · 16/10/2014 02:56

Thought some of you might enjoy this, from the notes with my copy of Evelina.

Be even cautious of displaying your good sense. It will be thought you assume a superiority over the rest of the company - But if you happen to have any learning, keep it a profound secret, especially from the men, who generally look with a jealous and malignant eye on a woman of great parts, and a cultivated understanding. [John Gregory, A Father's Legacy to His Daughters]

You must first lay it down for a Foundation in general, That there is an Inequality in the Sexes, and that for the better Oeconomy of the World, the Men, who were to be the Law-givers, had the larger share of Reason bestow'd upon them; by which means your Sex is the Better prepare'd for the Compliance that is necessary for the better performance of those Duties which seem to be most properly assign'd to it. [George Saville, The Lady's New-Year's Gift]

OP posts:
FrancisdeSales · 16/10/2014 10:54

The second quote from George Saville sounds more like he's trying to convince women who are not toeing the line! Why would you need to say that if it wasn't self-evident?

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