Welcome back to Just Listen.

Today’s author, Mary E. Wilkins Freeman, sought to demonstrate her values as a feminist. During the time in which she was writing, from the 1890s well into the 20th century, she did this in nonconventional ways; for example, she diverged from making her female characters weak and in need of help, which was a common trope in literature.  

Today’s protagonist, “Mother,” also known as Sarah, is not to be deterred; she not only is stronger than she looks, but she is not easily dismissed or disregarded.  “The Revolt of 'Mother'” is considered to be a pre-feminist story. However, it should be made clear that Sarah, the titular Mother, is not interested in defying gender roles so much as she is determined to correct her husband Adoniram’s wrongdoing. Sarah is not a feminist per se; she is a woman who wants the better life she has been promised. When she finally acts upon her decisions, asserting herself for the first time, she is empowered to finally get what she wants and deserves.

And now, “The Revolt of 'Mother'” by Mary E. Wilkins Freeman…we begin….