The role of a woman was inferior to that of a man, especially in marriages. The main duties of a woman were centered around the home. They were expected to fulfill their domestic duties, such as caring for the children, cooking washing, and cleaning the household. She had the responsibilities of dealing with a household and she almost always had children to care for, which required strength and knowledge; however, being able too fulfill marital duties and satisfying her husband brought satisfaction to some married women.

In the play A Doll House, Nora too finds happiness in keeping her husband pleased. She always 'play-acts' for Torvald, and she enjoys doing so. Nora has the responsibility of dealing w

Nora and the women of the nineteenth century have overcome many obstacles as women to develop individuality. Despite the many oppressions in a masculine society forced upon them, the women were willing and able to rise above them. If things are different now, it is due to the growing individualism of the women during the nineteenth century.

Sigourney, Lydia. "The Intemperate." Solomon 1: 70-85.

This proves that Nora does have responsibilities in her home, and she is capable of effectively caring for the members of her family.

It is implied that in Elizabeth Stuart Phelp's "The Angel Over the Right Shoulder," the wife is also somewhat controlled by her husband. Mrs. James complains that because of her overload of domestic responsibilities, she never has any free time to herself. Mr. James, her husband, then replies, "...make up your mind to let the work which is not done, go undone, if it must. Spend this time on just those things which will be most profitable to yourself. I shall bind you to your promise for one month..." (Phelps 157). However, the next day he interrupts this time so that she may do some sewing for him, saying to her "...sorry, but what can a man do? He cannot go downtown without a shirt-bosom" (Phelps 158); this suggests that his needs come before hers and she must come when he calls.

Some topics in this essay:
Changed Mind, Perkins Gilman, Angel Shoulder, Sigourney's Intemperate, Doll House, House Nora, Miss Lawrence, Beazley What's, Beazley's Deeds, House Torvald, solomon 1, doll house, nineteenth century, charlotte perkins, beazley's deeds, fulfill domestic, celia changed mind, towards woman, yellow wallpaper, husband feeling, women nineteenth century, spoke wives, play doll house, gilman charlotte perkins, fulfill domestic duties,