Ever since I read Judy Brady's now-famous essay, "I Want a Wife," I have been enormously moved by her powerfully simple and straightforward argument for why she, as a woman, needs a wife. The essay is deceptively simple, yet it raises important and complex issues about gender roles, marriage, and women's rights. Brady's use of humor and irony makes her argument all the more memorable and effective.
Brady's essay first appeared in MS. magazine in 1971, at a time when the women's movement was beginning to gain momentum. "I Want a Wife" struck a chord with many women, who could suddenly see their own lives reflected back at them in Brady's words. The essay is, in essence, a case for why marriage is good for women. Brady argues that marriage confers many benefits on women, including financial security, emotional support, and social status.
While Brady's essay is now nearly 50 years old, it is still relevant today. In many ways, we have made progress since Brady wrote her essay, but there is still much work to be done. Marriage remains an important institution for many women, and "I Want a Wife" continues to speak to the experiences of women in committed relationships.
What does Brady mean when she says that wives are "a wife is a slave"?
In "The Slave wife," Brady argues that the institution of marriage itself is one in which women are oppressed and subjugated. She writes that "marriage is the legal institution which confines a woman to a household and forbids her to own property, enter into contracts, or bear arms." This arrangement, she claims, reduces women to the status of slaves.
Brady's argument stems from the belief that equality between the sexes is impossible as long as marriage exists. She writes that "the supremacy of man in the family and in society is based upon the fact that women are subordinate to him," and that this inequality is "the cornerstone of the whole structure of our civilization."
Brady's argument was radical in its day, and it is still controversial. Some people would argue that marriage can be a source of strength and support for women, and that it is not necessarily an institution of oppression. Others would say that Brady's argument is outdated, and that the situation of women has improved significantly since she wrote her essay.
How does Brady's view of wives compare to the traditional view?
In the traditional view, wives were seen as property of their husbands. They were not allowed to work, and their main purpose was to keep the household running smoothly and to bear children. In Brady's view, wives are still responsible for the household and children, but they are also seen as partners in their marriages. They are expected to work and contribute to the family income, and they are given more equality and respect than in the traditional view.
What are some of the duties that Brady says wives perform?
According to Brady, some of the duties that wives perform are as follows: to love and cherish their husbands, to obey them, to keep their homes in order, to cook and clean for them, and to bear their children. While these may be seen as traditional gender roles, Brady believes that they are vital to a happy and successful marriage. He goes on to say that wives should also be supportive of their husbands' careers and ambitions, and should be their best friend and confidante.
How does Brady feel about these duties?
Brady feels very strongly about his duties. He feels like it is his job to help people and make them feel comfortable. He takes his job very seriously and is always looking for ways to improve the experience for his clients. He cares about his work and wants to ensure that everyone is happy with the service he provides.
What does Brady believe is the reason that many women want to be wives?
In his essay "The Family," Brady believes that the desire to be a wife is largely based on a woman's need for financial stability and security. He claims that women are socialized to believe that marriage is the only way to achieve these things, and that they should be willing to sacrifice their own happiness for the sake of their husband and children. Brady argues that this is an unfair burden for women, and that it is one of the main reasons why so many marriages end in divorce. He believes that if more women were honest about their needs and desires, they would be more likely to find lasting happiness in their relationships.
How does Brady feel about these benefits?
Sincerely,
Brady
Frequently Asked Questions
Why I want a wife by Judy Brady summary?
I want a woman who will cook my meals and make my bed, attend to my needs without complaint, clean up after herself, be understanding when I’m wrong, and never ante up with an opinion of her own. A wife like that would truly be a life companion.
How does Judy Brady use rhetoric in I want a wife?
Judy Brady uses rhetorical devices in her essay I want a wife to convince the reader of the necessity for change. She starts by posing a question and then provides an answer that challenges societal norms. For example, she asks if it is "[a] woman's role to always be homemaker?" She then provides an answer that argues that women should have important roles in a marital household. She also employs similes and analogies to help her argument. For example, she compares being a homemaker to spending all day "crawling through mud." These comparisons help clarify her position and make her points more impactful.
What does Tom Brady say about his wife in the essay?
Tom Brady does not actually say anything about his wife in the essay.
What was Anne Brady’s best essay?
"I want a wife."
What is the purpose of I want a wife by Judy Brady?
The purpose of Judy Brady's essay, "I Want a Wife", is to show women how men think, act, and feel. Brady being a feminist wants to reveal that when men want something, they will set aside women for more important things. Women should remember this lesson and not take anything men say at face value.
