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Re: Abbreviated Abstract: Changes in Patriarchy and Family Structure

Posted by Charles Mugume on March 6, 2002 at 15:50:41:

In Reply to: Abbreviated Abstract: Changes in Patriarchy and Family Structure posted by Rebecca H. Starkins on March 11, 2001 at 22:47:34:

: Rebecca H. Starkins
: 12 March 2001

: Abbreviated Abstract: Changes in Patriarchy and Family Structure from Restif to Sand

: I. Point of Departure:
: Restif, in "My Father’s Life," painted a picture of the wealthy peasant family of his father. In particular, he described in detail the relationship that existed between his grandfather Pierre and his father Edme, and that which existed between Edme and Restif himself. In the novel, one can find a clear indication of the change that was occurring in the traditional patriarchy as time passed. Pierre, for example, was extremely strict with his children, especially Edme. He demanded obedience and respect above all things. Edme always did as he was told; he equated this respect bordering on fear with love. But when Edme himself became a father, he behaved differently towards his children. He was much more lenient with them, and would praise them as much as he was apt to punish them. Although he too demanded respect, he sought it in a different manner, desiring to teach his children what was right without inflicting fear in them.

: II. Connection and Continuation:
: George Sand’s "The Devil’s Pool" also illustrates similar changing attitudes in the traditional patriarchal way of family life and carries them even further. Maurice, for example, tells his son-in-law Germain that he needs to remarry: "’Germain, said his father-in-law one day, "you must decide about marrying again‘" (Sand 17). Maurice begins to suggest a prospective bride, and although Germain still wishes to remain faithful to the memory of his deceased first wife, he says to Maurice, "’Very well, father...if you really wish it, I must do as you say‘" (Sand 18). Here, Germain echoes the sentiments of Edme, yielding without question to the wishes of his father-figure. However, when Germain returns home after meeting the woman in question and explains to Maurice that he cannot take her as his wife, Maurice is gentle with him and shows understanding and consideration, where Pierre, in a similar situation, showed only anger at his will being questioned.
: An ever further-reaching change in patriarchal "rule" can be observed in Germain’s relationship with his son Petit-Pierre. Germain outwardly shows a great deal of affection for the boy, something that neither Restif’s Pierre, nor even his Edme, did. Even when Petit-Pierre disobeys his father and follows him down the road to visit Catherine, Germain does not get angry and does not punish his son; instead, he tries to persuade him to return home for his own good. When Petit-Pierre shows no interest in going home and begs his father to take him along, Germain gives in quite easily. Thus, the role of the father as disciplinarian within the family was softened considerably over time. The change in patriarchal relationships within the family went from fear (with Pierre) to respect (with Edme) to love and affection (with Germain). As the view of children in society changed, so did the way in which they were treated.

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: : Rebecca H. Starkins : : 12 March 2001 : : Abbreviated Abstract: Changes in Patriarchy and Family Structure from Restif to Sand : : I. Point of Departure: : : Restif, in "My Father’s Life," painted a picture of the wealthy peasant family of his father. In particular, he described in detail the relationship that existed between his grandfather Pierre and his father Edme, and that which existed between Edme and Restif himself. In the novel, one can find a clear indication of the change that was occurring in the traditional patriarchy as time passed. Pierre, for example, was extremely strict with his children, especially Edme. He demanded obedience and respect above all things. Edme always did as he was told; he equated this respect bordering on fear with love. But when Edme himself became a father, he behaved differently towards his children. He was much more lenient with them, and would praise them as much as he was apt to punish them. Although he too demanded respect, he sought it in a different manner, desiring to teach his children what was right without inflicting fear in them. : : II. Connection and Continuation: : : George Sand’s "The Devil’s Pool" also illustrates similar changing attitudes in the traditional patriarchal way of family life and carries them even further. Maurice, for example, tells his son-in-law Germain that he needs to remarry: "’Germain, said his father-in-law one day, "you must decide about marrying again‘" (Sand 17). Maurice begins to suggest a prospective bride, and although Germain still wishes to remain faithful to the memory of his deceased first wife, he says to Maurice, "’Very well, father...if you really wish it, I must do as you say‘" (Sand 18). Here, Germain echoes the sentiments of Edme, yielding without question to the wishes of his father-figure. However, when Germain returns home after meeting the woman in question and explains to Maurice that he cannot take her as his wife, Maurice is gentle with him and shows understanding and consideration, where Pierre, in a similar situation, showed only anger at his will being questioned. : : An ever further-reaching change in patriarchal "rule" can be observed in Germain’s relationship with his son Petit-Pierre. Germain outwardly shows a great deal of affection for the boy, something that neither Restif’s Pierre, nor even his Edme, did. Even when Petit-Pierre disobeys his father and follows him down the road to visit Catherine, Germain does not get angry and does not punish his son; instead, he tries to persuade him to return home for his own good. When Petit-Pierre shows no interest in going home and begs his father to take him along, Germain gives in quite easily. Thus, the role of the father as disciplinarian within the family was softened considerably over time. The change in patriarchal relationships within the family went from fear (with Pierre) to respect (with Edme) to love and affection (with Germain). As the view of children in society changed, so did the way in which they were treated.

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