Reflections and Women's Roles: The Count and the Cousin & Lucy Nelson/The Boy Girl

Both of these stories each brought up different reactions for me of what women's roles were then and what they are now. I am so glad that times have changed! So so so glad! There are great differences. One is that cousins cannot marry each other (a plus, I'd say). Another is the aspirations that young women have today: my goals go farther than marriage and don't even really include marriage, necessarily. Also, the story of the Count and the Cousin, though amusing, was frustrating to read at points because of what Adelaide did (or, rather, did not do). She just sat around, letting her father, cousin and Count Pfeifenhammer lead her through her life and all she can do for herself is take on European styles and wooers. Well, until the end when she shouts at Charles about being un-patriotic...bla bla bla. But I think that would be her father talking through her. Ummm...anyway, my point is that I am glad that times have changed--women are more independant and free thinkers (I mean, I think so).

The story of Lucy Nelson was very exciting in the beginning because I could picture myself doing everything Lucy did. I was a tom-boy when I was younger--growing up in a neighborhood full of boys and actually becoming a kind of head-honcho among them (cool!). I felt so sad for Lucy when she was punished for not being girly enough. When she was forced to wear boy clothes, i thought 'big deal' , because clothing and gender roles have changed significantly. It was very sad to see that her brothers beat on her because she now dressed like them--that was the only difference! OH! and the ending! I did not like it at all. so frustrating! She grew to like all of the things that were befitting of a female... how could she truly love needlework when she could no longer romp outside exploring nature. I would just feel so trapped and smothered. Lucy was a great character, but the ending really got me.