What do you think the novel is trying to say about female emancipation?

"My days," I said, "who'd want to be a lady?"

"Indeed, no one should," she said. "It is a hateful thing to be. We are bound in every direction."
"What'd you rather be, a gent?"

What do you think the novel is trying to say about female emancipation?

Despite all of the supposed advances, look at the political issues surrounding women today. And then, no matter what one thinks of female politicians in any political party, look at how the reports often center on a woman's appearance or the outfit she's wearing or her body weight. Sadly, a strong woman is often still labeled with negative words. I think the world would be a better place with more women in charge. We have a long way to go to be truly emancipated.

The novel is saying that it is very difficult for a woman to be emancipated without the help of her husband or partner. Even though Ruth was a strong, independant woman, I don't think she could have been very sucessful without the backing of Tom. His reputation as a champion boxer gave status to their boxing school. Although Ruth herself was a very effective boxer, I don't think that the populace would send their children to a school run by a woman.

The other female character, Charlotte, had very little power as a woman. It wasn't until her husband started depending on her due to his illness that she was abe to control where and how she lived somewhat. She still depended on his money since she did not work and her brother had inherited the family money.

I totally agree with rebeccar's comment! Although women have more freedom and are able to be emancipated from their parents and from men these days, women still have barriers that men do not have to contend with.

I think it points out that although we have come a long way (at least in many cultures) there are still parallels in the struggles that women faced in the past and face today.

That issue did not appear. It was survival by whatever means possible. Even when the main character was earning money, her treatment and notoriety would never match that of a man.

I think each woman ended up having to be responsible for her own life, and for gaining as much freedom as they could within the confines of society. In my opinion, each only gained freedom by seizing it - by her own actions. Perhaps that's one take-away from the book; you may not achieve perfect happiness, but you need to act in your own interests to achieve whatever level of happiness that is possible in your circumstance.

in the past, as it can be now, women may have to find unconventional ways to assert their power. They will/do face criticism and negativity when they strive for equality, and face scrutiny that men do not. that being said, in the Western world, things have advanced greatly - now this movement has to spread throughout the entire world!

Emancipation-the fact or process of being set free from legal, social, or political restrictions; liberation. The novel describes the role of women. It was very interesting on how women were treated. I am glad that the women in the book decided to take on their own personal fight.