A Vindication of the Rights of Woman Women and Femininity Quotes

How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)

Quote #4

It is time to effect a revolution in female manners—time to restore to them their lost dignity—and make them, as a part of the human species, labour by reforming themselves to reform the world. (3.25)

Wollstonecraft thinks that the time has come for women to become equal members of society and to receive all of the same social privileges that men do. There is no way this type of change would ever make the world worse. It can only make things better because it will prepare women to contribute more productively to modern society.

Quote #5

I am fully persuaded that we should hear of none of these infantine airs, if girls were allowed to take sufficient exercise, and not confined in close rooms till their muscles are relaxed, and their powers of digestion destroyed. (4.34)

Wollstonecraft is certain that women would be much stronger and more active if they were given the same upbringing as men. She also thinks that women wouldn't act like children if they weren't treated like them.

Quote #6

This is the very point I aim at. I do not wish them [women] to have power over men; but over themselves. (4.34)

Wollstonecraft is not arguing for a woman-dominated society. What she wants is for women to be reasonable and intelligent, and there's no way for them to achieve this goal unless they receive the same education as men and learn to control their emotions by using their words.