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Abstract: My Father's Life - chapter 4

Posted by Rebecca H. Starkins on February 12, 2001 at 16:15:22:

Rebecca H. Starkins
History 101 Mr. Schwartz
Abstract: "My Father’s Life" - chapter four

Main Point/Argument: Before reading Charlton’s two articles, I interpreted the main point to be an expression of the ideal male in eighteenth century France. Restif describes how Edmond believed that the greatest legacy he could leave his children would be that of having a father known to be "a good man." He was a good husband, strict with his wives and children, yet always looking out for what he believed to be their best interests. Restif asserts that this discipline and strictness instilled in all of Edme’s children a sound moral foundation on which to base their lives.
After reading "The Age of Innocence" and "The New Eve," however, my interpretation of the main argument changed slightly. It is now clear that Restif was presenting his father as the ideal "natural" male, fulfilling his roles and his duties as he was expected (particularly that of the loving and blindly obedient son). He also expressed the view just beginning to be adopted in France of the "natural" disposition of the woman in society and the home.

Evidence: * Edme explains to Barbe that it is only natural that the woman should defer to her husband in all things, being there only to please and obey him. "Nature" did not dictate that she should have the ability or the inclination to hold such a position of authority in either the family or society at large. It was for the benefit of her own happiness that she respect her place in society. * The successful lives of Edmond’s children serve to exemplify the changing views during the eighteenth century. Because Pierre showed interest and care in the upbringing of his children, Edmond grew up having sound morals and principles. The same can be said for Edme’s children.

Most Interesting Thing: Edmond’s relentless obedience to his father is astonishing. I find it difficult to believe that any child could subordinate him/herself to a parent to the extent that Edmond has reportedly done. What is even more interesting to me is that he does so willingly and for the most part happily, more content in obeying his father than in reaching for his own desires and goals. In view of the ideas expressed in Charlton’s articles, this concept is a little easier to understand in it’s historical context, but nonetheless I still find Edmond’s behavior and "goodness" amazing.

Connections: * Edmond’s family is a clear example of the patriarchal society described by both Smith and Charlton. He holds himself to be, without question, the head of the family. This is a reflection of the beliefs of the time that the male’s "natural" role was the central figure of the family. * The strong sense of community, as discussed by Father Besnard and Bonnie Smith, is evident in Restif’s account. Edmond is always giving aid to his neighbors, just as the priests encouraged their "flock". * The notion of the "natural child" was also addressed by Restif and Charlton. Edmond is consistently evaluated on his "natural" goodness and disposition and praised highly for it. * Edmond’s actions also reflected the dominant beliefs of his time as far as women were concerned. He expressed views very much like those outlined by Charlton in that woman was made to please and obey man. It was "unnatural" for her to desire any kind of authority within the family.

Promptings/Reflections: Charlton’s articles threw an entirely new light on the "accepted" position for women of the eighteenth century. After reading them, I feel I have a much better understanding of where Edme is coming from when he tells Barbe what he expects her role to be. It is easier to comprehend the reasoning behind society’s structure during that time after reading both works.

Evaluation: Restif is presenting the life of his father as one lived by a saint rather than a real human being. One wonders, particularly in view of Charlton’s two pieces, how much of the account is fact and how much is idealization, even though Restif claims he is writing an impartial narrative.

Perplexing Things: Edme’s father was very opposed to his settling in Paris (evident when he refuses to allow Edmond to marry Rose because he believes his son has been led into some kind of trap); he believed that the city was without morals and values. Similarly, M Pombelins praises the virtues of country men, thinking them much more worthy and productive than those from the city. But despite both of these views, given, as they are, by the two men for whom Edmond showed the greatest respect, he nevertheless encourages his children to go out and settle in Paris. He says he believes that there is no place more oppressive to one’s nature and goodness than a small country town. I am slightly confused as to what exactly made him do this, seeing as it goes in bold opposition to the opinions of two highly respected men in his view.

Key Terms/Vocabulary: patriarch (in the context of both family and society at large)

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: Rebecca H. Starkins : History 101 Mr. Schwartz : Abstract: "My Father’s Life" - chapter four : Main Point/Argument: Before reading Charlton’s two articles, I interpreted the main point to be an expression of the ideal male in eighteenth century France. Restif describes how Edmond believed that the greatest legacy he could leave his children would be that of having a father known to be "a good man." He was a good husband, strict with his wives and children, yet always looking out for what he believed to be their best interests. Restif asserts that this discipline and strictness instilled in all of Edme’s children a sound moral foundation on which to base their lives. : After reading "The Age of Innocence" and "The New Eve," however, my interpretation of the main argument changed slightly. It is now clear that Restif was presenting his father as the ideal "natural" male, fulfilling his roles and his duties as he was expected (particularly that of the loving and blindly obedient son). He also expressed the view just beginning to be adopted in France of the "natural" disposition of the woman in society and the home. : Evidence: * Edme explains to Barbe that it is only natural that the woman should defer to her husband in all things, being there only to please and obey him. "Nature" did not dictate that she should have the ability or the inclination to hold such a position of authority in either the family or society at large. It was for the benefit of her own happiness that she respect her place in society. * The successful lives of Edmond’s children serve to exemplify the changing views during the eighteenth century. Because Pierre showed interest and care in the upbringing of his children, Edmond grew up having sound morals and principles. The same can be said for Edme’s children. : Most Interesting Thing: Edmond’s relentless obedience to his father is astonishing. I find it difficult to believe that any child could subordinate him/herself to a parent to the extent that Edmond has reportedly done. What is even more interesting to me is that he does so willingly and for the most part happily, more content in obeying his father than in reaching for his own desires and goals. In view of the ideas expressed in Charlton’s articles, this concept is a little easier to understand in it’s historical context, but nonetheless I still find Edmond’s behavior and "goodness" amazing. : Connections: * Edmond’s family is a clear example of the patriarchal society described by both Smith and Charlton. He holds himself to be, without question, the head of the family. This is a reflection of the beliefs of the time that the male’s "natural" role was the central figure of the family. * The strong sense of community, as discussed by Father Besnard and Bonnie Smith, is evident in Restif’s account. Edmond is always giving aid to his neighbors, just as the priests encouraged their "flock". * The notion of the "natural child" was also addressed by Restif and Charlton. Edmond is consistently evaluated on his "natural" goodness and disposition and praised highly for it. * Edmond’s actions also reflected the dominant beliefs of his time as far as women were concerned. He expressed views very much like those outlined by Charlton in that woman was made to please and obey man. It was "unnatural" for her to desire any kind of authority within the family. : Promptings/Reflections: Charlton’s articles threw an entirely new light on the "accepted" position for women of the eighteenth century. After reading them, I feel I have a much better understanding of where Edme is coming from when he tells Barbe what he expects her role to be. It is easier to comprehend the reasoning behind society’s structure during that time after reading both works. : Evaluation: Restif is presenting the life of his father as one lived by a saint rather than a real human being. One wonders, particularly in view of Charlton’s two pieces, how much of the account is fact and how much is idealization, even though Restif claims he is writing an impartial narrative. : Perplexing Things: Edme’s father was very opposed to his settling in Paris (evident when he refuses to allow Edmond to marry Rose because he believes his son has been led into some kind of trap); he believed that the city was without morals and values. Similarly, M Pombelins praises the virtues of country men, thinking them much more worthy and productive than those from the city. But despite both of these views, given, as they are, by the two men for whom Edmond showed the greatest respect, he nevertheless encourages his children to go out and settle in Paris. He says he believes that there is no place more oppressive to one’s nature and goodness than a small country town. I am slightly confused as to what exactly made him do this, seeing as it goes in bold opposition to the opinions of two highly respected men in his view. : Key Terms/Vocabulary: patriarch (in the context of both family and society at large)

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