Joshua and Sally Wilson Letters to George Wilson
The definition of marriage is the legal union between two people establishing legal rights and obligations between them. This union is a legal contract that binds the couple for life and justifiable should not be rushed into without serious consideration. The institution of marriageis just as serious today as it was in 1823. Joshua Wilson conveys his concerns about hurrying into marriage without first considering the responsibilities that will be placed on him and the potential resentment his wife may come to feel if he does not fulfill these duties. Although we know little of George or his life from the letters, I would speculate that his intended wife is of a different social class and has been groomed for a similar or equal life. It was gently implied in Sally Wilson’s letter to George when she urges him to reflect upon the young lady’s education, her social status and how her friends may see her. As we have often read in our text book American Stories (Brands, H.W. 2015) social classes were an important aspect of life during this century. Although more opportunities were afforded Americans of different social classes than prior to colonization, money and family stature in the community was still an important part of social interaction in society.
From American Stories (Brands, H.W. 2015, pg. 275) we learn the “separate spheres” was a growing trend during this time period. This was essentially a new era for families, specifically a division between the lives of middle class men and women. There was no longer a need for men and women to work, but instead men were going off to work outside the home. Men were now responsibility for building the economy and women were charged with the care of the household. It was the general understanding that a proper wife would keep an impeccable home and maintain a quiet sanctuary for her husband to rest in after a long day at work. Importantly, this new age woman was responsible for the nurturing of a family’s moral strength.
From these passages in Sally’s letter I would speculate that a proper husband of 1823 is one that is capable of providing for a wife in the same lifestyle in which she is accustomed. From Sally’s mention of how George’s prospective wife’s friends would view her, I am led to believe that if George is to be a proper husband he must meet with the approval of her peers and have found gainful employment. She must have a home suited to receive guests and socialize regularly with her friends. If he cannot provide this, he would bring great disappointment to his beloved and she soon would live a “miserable existence.”
Although this was all very likely for most affluent families, this was not true for the working class families. Although it was unlikely for a woman of a working class to go out of the home to work, if the husband was in lower wage employee, it was most likely the wife brought in laundry or sewing to contribute to the livelihood of the family. There were different working classes for Americans during this time of industrious growth. From both Joshua’s and Sally’s letters I understood that this was very true. Had George married before he could gain successful financial economy in which to support his prospective wife, they may both find misery rather than happiness.
Although life today is very different from 1823, but the question of whether or not to enter into marriage should still be considered with the same seriousness. Joshua and Sally both urge George to heavily consider all the obligations a marriage has and whether he would meet those obligations. Marriage is not disposable and heavy thought should go into whether or not one should marry. Marriage can be glamorized and love, especially young love, can lead one to feel as though they are on top of the world. If George truly loves this woman he must consider the life in which he can provide for her, how he can make her life truly happy now and in the future. One thing that differed in the 1800’s from today is that one’s life span was not as long. In today’s world a couple will be married, or potentially married, for much longer than in the 1800’s. With a longer life expectancy, marriage could last and often does last 40, 50 and even 60 years in today’s world. However, the one item I found to be truly the same in each letter was the advice Sally and Joshua afford George. It accurately reflected what I would express to either of my sons if they asked me for advice.
From American Stories (Brands, H.W. 2015, pg. 275) we learn the “separate spheres” was a growing trend during this time period. This was essentially a new era for families, specifically a division between the lives of middle class men and women. There was no longer a need for men and women to work, but instead men were going off to work outside the home. Men were now responsibility for building the economy and women were charged with the care of the household. It was the general understanding that a proper wife would keep an impeccable home and maintain a quiet sanctuary for her husband to rest in after a long day at work. Importantly, this new age woman was responsible for the nurturing of a family’s moral strength.
From these passages in Sally’s letter I would speculate that a proper husband of 1823 is one that is capable of providing for a wife in the same lifestyle in which she is accustomed. From Sally’s mention of how George’s prospective wife’s friends would view her, I am led to believe that if George is to be a proper husband he must meet with the approval of her peers and have found gainful employment. She must have a home suited to receive guests and socialize regularly with her friends. If he cannot provide this, he would bring great disappointment to his beloved and she soon would live a “miserable existence.”
Although this was all very likely for most affluent families, this was not true for the working class families. Although it was unlikely for a woman of a working class to go out of the home to work, if the husband was in lower wage employee, it was most likely the wife brought in laundry or sewing to contribute to the livelihood of the family. There were different working classes for Americans during this time of industrious growth. From both Joshua’s and Sally’s letters I understood that this was very true. Had George married before he could gain successful financial economy in which to support his prospective wife, they may both find misery rather than happiness.
Although life today is very different from 1823, but the question of whether or not to enter into marriage should still be considered with the same seriousness. Joshua and Sally both urge George to heavily consider all the obligations a marriage has and whether he would meet those obligations. Marriage is not disposable and heavy thought should go into whether or not one should marry. Marriage can be glamorized and love, especially young love, can lead one to feel as though they are on top of the world. If George truly loves this woman he must consider the life in which he can provide for her, how he can make her life truly happy now and in the future. One thing that differed in the 1800’s from today is that one’s life span was not as long. In today’s world a couple will be married, or potentially married, for much longer than in the 1800’s. With a longer life expectancy, marriage could last and often does last 40, 50 and even 60 years in today’s world. However, the one item I found to be truly the same in each letter was the advice Sally and Joshua afford George. It accurately reflected what I would express to either of my sons if they asked me for advice.
Reflection
My writing skills and proofreading skills are developing through the course assignments. There is typically an adjustment stage at the beginning of a new class to determine what an educator is seeking; however, the weekly assignments in this course have helped to build these particular skills. For example, this particular assignment, Calculus of Slavery, I followed the suggestions given by the instructor and as a result my work improved, as did my grade. Not only was I able to read the required article, but once I evaluated it, I saw more than just the words, I was able to ask and answer questions to further my understanding of the article.
My academic skills continue to improve through participation of weekly assignments. I took an extended break from college courses while pursuing my career and raising my family. In recent years, I have completed courses focused on business administration, however, since my extended break this is the second general academic class taken through Pasadena City College. I realize that I must familiarize myself with academic writing techniques after being removed from school for some time. Although I write many memos, letters, and analysis for my employers and career directed courses, the writing style is very different from academia and I have had to redirect how I view an assignment.
My goal is to continue to strengthen my writing and analysis skills through future assignments.
My academic skills continue to improve through participation of weekly assignments. I took an extended break from college courses while pursuing my career and raising my family. In recent years, I have completed courses focused on business administration, however, since my extended break this is the second general academic class taken through Pasadena City College. I realize that I must familiarize myself with academic writing techniques after being removed from school for some time. Although I write many memos, letters, and analysis for my employers and career directed courses, the writing style is very different from academia and I have had to redirect how I view an assignment.
My goal is to continue to strengthen my writing and analysis skills through future assignments.