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Graded Abstract--Men and Manhood

Posted by Tara Sarin on February 27, 2001 at 07:42:38:

Tara Sarin
Due: 2/27/01
History 101-Family, Community and Class
Prof. Schwartz

Graded Abstract: Men and Manhood
Main Point:
In "My Father's Life," the author Restif de la Bretonne presents an account of the changing views in manhood and patriarchy. The archetype father changes dramatically from generation to generation. Males conformed differently to the ideals set within their society. The ideal father changed from a traditional father who was to be feared by his children, into a parent who was more affectionate and understanding with his children. Edmond contained similar beliefs to his father, but eventually embodies the qualities of a new and improved patriarch, known as the "true hero" or "natural father."

Historical Change:
The most important aspect of change that I have discovered is the expression of the "true hero" and the "admirable peasant" in contrast with the traditional roles of manhood and virtue. Nicolas Restif proclaimed himself the spokesman for the peasantry. He used his first hand knowledge to educate people on the goodness of individual peasants. Similarly, Rousseau redefines heroism in his essay, "Année Littérature". He replaces the "martial values" and "great deeds and glory" with beneficial service and civic virtue (Schwartz, 3). "Far from being a warrior, the true Hero was a man of civic virtue, an individual whose sentiments and deeds were devoted to the happiness of others."(Schwartz, 3) One who accepted his vices and used whatever virtues he had to work for the good of others. Nicolas Restif presented this type of new heroism in his novel "My Father's Life." He presented his father, Edmond, as a virtuous and good-hearted man. Edmond exemplified the role of an innocent and obedient youth that transformed into a product of the patriarchal world. His father's more traditional ideals influenced him on his journey to manhood. Pierre represented a traditional hero of peasantry, while Edmond portrayed the more modern Parisian Bourgeoisie values.

Represtation by Observer:
Paintings are a different source of contemporary evidence that support the realities of manhood and patriarchy within 18th century society. Two representations are, the "Cow's Hoof," by Louis-Leopold Boilly (ca 1810) and "The Evening Meal." The two artistic representations present differing views on men, manhood and family life. The painting by Boilly is a genre painting that contains similarities to Greuze paintings during that time period. It represents a more traditional view of family life, while portraying the modern ideals of caring for children. Greuze shows moralizing scenes of middle-class domestic life and sentimental images of family life, similarly Boilly portrays a family moment frozen in time. The figures are arranged in a pyramidal structure, where the patriarch rises above the rest of the family. The pyramidal structure gives a unifying aspect to the painting. The painting contains traditional aspects, as well. The servants are seen in the darkness on the left-hand corner of the painting, which illustrates the hierarchical aspect of the painting. The painting is a narrative that is representing some aspect of everyday life.
The second image of "The Evening Meal" is an etching. This etching contains both the more modern representation and the traditional aspects of family. The family extends not only to relatives, but servants as well. This portrayal of family life and unity is similar to Edmond's. The family is shown in hierarchical order, with the patriarch as the tallest figure, the wife as second and the servants and children as the smallest in the image. Restif provides an illustration of the patriarchy and hierarchy of peasant family life when he describes the ritual of the evening meal (Poster, 228). This was the representation within Pierre's traditional household. The social distinctions were seen in the evening meals, for example, the poor peasants would eat black bread while the heads of the family would eat the white bread and wine. But in the house of Edme Restif everyone, including the servants, ate the "more esteemed" white bread. Edmond accepted everyone within his family, even the servants. But just as the etching portrayed a patriarchal distinction, Edme's table placement showed a similar organization.

Realities of the Observed:
In reality, values were changing from generation to generation and transforming the family ideal. Pierre's more traditional morals altered to fit the societal views. Edmond developed differing views, because of his upbringing and higher-level education. Pierre's strict and fearful personality was an ideal during his time period. But Edmond transformed his role as patriarch into a more affectionate and loving father and husband. The notion of the loving father was becoming more widespread within Europe (Charleton, 169). Parents were becoming more affectionate towards their children because of the shift in views. The change in views stemmed from the increasing child mortality rates and parents developing deeper attachments to their children. In addition, attitudes towards children seen in religious teachings affected the parents' views. The traditional Catholic teachings taught that children were inherently evil. The Jansenist movement in France proves that the views regarding children were changing. Parents cared more for their children and began to understand the purity that their young were born with. These ideals were becoming accepted and fathers such as Edmond became more common.
The "natural father" (Charleton, 169) or "true hero" (Schwartz, 3) was becoming the ideal during Edmonds reign. The major characteristic of the "natural father" is that he feels affection and admiration towards his children, but still remains to be the final authority. Edmond exemplifies these traits by paying more attention to each of his children's upbringings and treating his wives with the utmost respect. As Charleton state's, "more attention was paid to each child's upbringing…one even finds a deliberate limitation of family size deriving …from greater concern for the wife's well-being and the existing children (Charleton, 138). Edmonds concern for the well fare of women started out with his admiration of his mother. It then developed into his respectful treatment of his wives. Edmonds style of parenting changes from his father's more traditional views of family life into the more modern, "natural father" model.

Historians' Differing Interpretations:
Two differing views on men and manhood in 18th century peasant life are Poster and Charleton. Poster portrayed "My Father's Life" an idealized view of 18th century peasant life. Poster state's that Restif presented the role of Edmond in an idealized manner, presenting the father/child and husband/wife relationships not as they actually existed at the time, but as the author believed they should exist. He state's that Restif presented a Utopian society in which he "idealizes the rigid patriarchy of rural life, sanitizing it form the infections of an emerging urban experience where traditional values and moral principles are in doubt" (Poster, 218) That Restif has taken this changing society and over exaggerated the benevolence of Edmond's actions. Charleton's articles took into account the historical information regarding family structure in eighteenth century France. He state's that "patriarchal control within the family grew weaker, and the young gained more freedom to choose their own pattern of life and, most notably, their own spouse." (Charleton, 138) and that children were being paid closer attention to. Charleton is saying that family life is become more unified and historically Edmond is changing in accordance to the altering ideals of the times.

Connections:
Bonnie Smith is another source that discusses the topic of rural life, specifically on patriarchy. Smith's view is in agreement with the other sources. She also state's that the "severely patriarchal system had weakened" by the 18th century. She also added another aspect to the topic of patriarchy. She believes that within the family the husband and father controlled decision-making and had ultimate authority. She added that no country in Europe escaped from this ideal of manhood. Her idea that sometimes the patriarch shared his power supports the evidence that Edmond was developing into this new prototype of manhood. He was sharing his family with his wife and children. He allowed them to take part in the daily decision-making processes.

Works Cited:

Boilly, Louis-Leopold. "Cow's Hoof," 1810.

Bretonne, Rétif de la. My Father's Life. Trans. Richard Veasey. Great Britain: Alan Sutton Publishing Limited, 1986.

Charlton, D. G.: New Images of the Natural in France Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1982-1983

Poster, Mark. "Patriarchy and Sexuality: Restif and the Peasant Family." The Eighteenth Century. 1984.

Schwartz, Robert M.. The Peasant as Hero: Rousseau, Restif de la Bretonne, and the Representation of Rustic Virtues. 1999.

Smith, Bonnie G.: Changing Lives, Women in European History Since 1700
Lexington, MA: D. C. Heath and Company, 1989.

"The Evening Meal", from Rétif de la Bretonne: My Father's Life
Gloucester: Alan Sutton Publishing Limited, 1986.

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: Tara Sarin : Due: 2/27/01 : History 101-Family, Community and Class : Prof. Schwartz : Graded Abstract: Men and Manhood : Main Point: : In "My Father's Life," the author Restif de la Bretonne presents an account of the changing views in manhood and patriarchy. The archetype father changes dramatically from generation to generation. Males conformed differently to the ideals set within their society. The ideal father changed from a traditional father who was to be feared by his children, into a parent who was more affectionate and understanding with his children. Edmond contained similar beliefs to his father, but eventually embodies the qualities of a new and improved patriarch, known as the "true hero" or "natural father." : Historical Change: : The most important aspect of change that I have discovered is the expression of the "true hero" and the "admirable peasant" in contrast with the traditional roles of manhood and virtue. Nicolas Restif proclaimed himself the spokesman for the peasantry. He used his first hand knowledge to educate people on the goodness of individual peasants. Similarly, Rousseau redefines heroism in his essay, "Année Littérature". He replaces the "martial values" and "great deeds and glory" with beneficial service and civic virtue (Schwartz, 3). "Far from being a warrior, the true Hero was a man of civic virtue, an individual whose sentiments and deeds were devoted to the happiness of others."(Schwartz, 3) One who accepted his vices and used whatever virtues he had to work for the good of others. Nicolas Restif presented this type of new heroism in his novel "My Father's Life." He presented his father, Edmond, as a virtuous and good-hearted man. Edmond exemplified the role of an innocent and obedient youth that transformed into a product of the patriarchal world. His father's more traditional ideals influenced him on his journey to manhood. Pierre represented a traditional hero of peasantry, while Edmond portrayed the more modern Parisian Bourgeoisie values. : Represtation by Observer: : Paintings are a different source of contemporary evidence that support the realities of manhood and patriarchy within 18th century society. Two representations are, the "Cow's Hoof," by Louis-Leopold Boilly (ca 1810) and "The Evening Meal." The two artistic representations present differing views on men, manhood and family life. The painting by Boilly is a genre painting that contains similarities to Greuze paintings during that time period. It represents a more traditional view of family life, while portraying the modern ideals of caring for children. Greuze shows moralizing scenes of middle-class domestic life and sentimental images of family life, similarly Boilly portrays a family moment frozen in time. The figures are arranged in a pyramidal structure, where the patriarch rises above the rest of the family. The pyramidal structure gives a unifying aspect to the painting. The painting contains traditional aspects, as well. The servants are seen in the darkness on the left-hand corner of the painting, which illustrates the hierarchical aspect of the painting. The painting is a narrative that is representing some aspect of everyday life. : The second image of "The Evening Meal" is an etching. This etching contains both the more modern representation and the traditional aspects of family. The family extends not only to relatives, but servants as well. This portrayal of family life and unity is similar to Edmond's. The family is shown in hierarchical order, with the patriarch as the tallest figure, the wife as second and the servants and children as the smallest in the image. Restif provides an illustration of the patriarchy and hierarchy of peasant family life when he describes the ritual of the evening meal (Poster, 228). This was the representation within Pierre's traditional household. The social distinctions were seen in the evening meals, for example, the poor peasants would eat black bread while the heads of the family would eat the white bread and wine. But in the house of Edme Restif everyone, including the servants, ate the "more esteemed" white bread. Edmond accepted everyone within his family, even the servants. But just as the etching portrayed a patriarchal distinction, Edme's table placement showed a similar organization. : Realities of the Observed: : In reality, values were changing from generation to generation and transforming the family ideal. Pierre's more traditional morals altered to fit the societal views. Edmond developed differing views, because of his upbringing and higher-level education. Pierre's strict and fearful personality was an ideal during his time period. But Edmond transformed his role as patriarch into a more affectionate and loving father and husband. The notion of the loving father was becoming more widespread within Europe (Charleton, 169). Parents were becoming more affectionate towards their children because of the shift in views. The change in views stemmed from the increasing child mortality rates and parents developing deeper attachments to their children. In addition, attitudes towards children seen in religious teachings affected the parents' views. The traditional Catholic teachings taught that children were inherently evil. The Jansenist movement in France proves that the views regarding children were changing. Parents cared more for their children and began to understand the purity that their young were born with. These ideals were becoming accepted and fathers such as Edmond became more common. : The "natural father" (Charleton, 169) or "true hero" (Schwartz, 3) was becoming the ideal during Edmonds reign. The major characteristic of the "natural father" is that he feels affection and admiration towards his children, but still remains to be the final authority. Edmond exemplifies these traits by paying more attention to each of his children's upbringings and treating his wives with the utmost respect. As Charleton state's, "more attention was paid to each child's upbringing…one even finds a deliberate limitation of family size deriving …from greater concern for the wife's well-being and the existing children (Charleton, 138). Edmonds concern for the well fare of women started out with his admiration of his mother. It then developed into his respectful treatment of his wives. Edmonds style of parenting changes from his father's more traditional views of family life into the more modern, "natural father" model. : Historians' Differing Interpretations: : Two differing views on men and manhood in 18th century peasant life are Poster and Charleton. Poster portrayed "My Father's Life" an idealized view of 18th century peasant life. Poster state's that Restif presented the role of Edmond in an idealized manner, presenting the father/child and husband/wife relationships not as they actually existed at the time, but as the author believed they should exist. He state's that Restif presented a Utopian society in which he "idealizes the rigid patriarchy of rural life, sanitizing it form the infections of an emerging urban experience where traditional values and moral principles are in doubt" (Poster, 218) That Restif has taken this changing society and over exaggerated the benevolence of Edmond's actions. Charleton's articles took into account the historical information regarding family structure in eighteenth century France. He state's that "patriarchal control within the family grew weaker, and the young gained more freedom to choose their own pattern of life and, most notably, their own spouse." (Charleton, 138) and that children were being paid closer attention to. Charleton is saying that family life is become more unified and historically Edmond is changing in accordance to the altering ideals of the times. : Connections: : Bonnie Smith is another source that discusses the topic of rural life, specifically on patriarchy. Smith's view is in agreement with the other sources. She also state's that the "severely patriarchal system had weakened" by the 18th century. She also added another aspect to the topic of patriarchy. She believes that within the family the husband and father controlled decision-making and had ultimate authority. She added that no country in Europe escaped from this ideal of manhood. Her idea that sometimes the patriarch shared his power supports the evidence that Edmond was developing into this new prototype of manhood. He was sharing his family with his wife and children. He allowed them to take part in the daily decision-making processes. : : Works Cited: : Boilly, Louis-Leopold. "Cow's Hoof," 1810. : Bretonne, Rétif de la. My Father's Life. Trans. Richard Veasey. Great Britain: Alan Sutton Publishing Limited, 1986. : Charlton, D. G.: New Images of the Natural in France Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1982-1983 : Poster, Mark. "Patriarchy and Sexuality: Restif and the Peasant Family." The Eighteenth Century. 1984. : Schwartz, Robert M.. The Peasant as Hero: Rousseau, Restif de la Bretonne, and the Representation of Rustic Virtues. 1999. : Smith, Bonnie G.: Changing Lives, Women in European History Since 1700 : Lexington, MA: D. C. Heath and Company, 1989. : "The Evening Meal", from Rétif de la Bretonne: My Father's Life : Gloucester: Alan Sutton Publishing Limited, 1986.

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