Women and Economics · Chapter
Proem explained
The Proem contrasts a prehistoric era of equality between men and women with the subsequent ages of male domination, where man bound woman to himself through strength and control.
What happens
The Proem contrasts a prehistoric era of equality between men and women with the subsequent ages of male domination, where man bound woman to himself through strength and control. It traces the long, painful journey from freedom to imprisonment, and ends with a hopeful call for woman's liberation, asserting that she will love freely once released.
Themes in this chapter
Sexuo-Economic Relation
The poem describes how man bound woman to himself for pleasure and possession, establishing a relationship based on control and economic dependence.
Individualization and Personhood
The rising 'woman-soul' symbolizes the emergence of women as independent individuals, moving beyond their role as possessions.
Characters to notice
- Unknown Narrator
The narrator speaks from a collective perspective, recounting the history of gender relations and addressing man directly.
- Pain
Personified as an entity that man claims to know and overcome after gaining wisdom.
Key passages
“Twofold man was equal; they were comrades dear and daring, Living wild and free together in unreasoning delight.”
In early times, men and women were equal partners, living freely and joyfully together.
This sets up the original state of equality before patriarchal domination.
“Close, close he bound her, that she should leave him never; Weak still he kept her, lest she be strong to flee”
Man tightly controlled woman, keeping her weak so she could not escape.
Describes the deliberate enforcement of women's dependence and subjugation.
“The woman-soul is rising, in despite of thy transgression— Loose her now, and trust her! She will love thee yet!”
Women's spirit is awakening despite man's wrongdoing; release her and trust her, and she will still love you.
A hopeful call for liberation, suggesting that freedom will restore love.