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Cover of Women's Wild Oats: Essays on the Re-fixing of Moral Standards

Women's Wild Oats: Essays on the Re-fixing of Moral Standards

Written by C. Gasquoine (Catherine Gasquoine) Hartley

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About this book

"Woman's Wild Oats: Essays on the Re-fixing of Moral Standards" by C. Gasquoine Hartley is a collection of essays written in the early 20th century. The book explores the moral and social implications of women's changing roles in society, particularly after World War I, and critiques the contemporary feminist movements from Hartley's perspective as she reflects on women's identity, responsibilities, and societal expectations. At the start of the book, Hartley narrates her experiences during the celebratory aftermath of World War I, focusing on the chaotic joy of Victory Day in London. She observes a deep contrast between the jubilant atmosphere and her feelings of concern and sadness about the implications of this newfound freedom for women. Hartley's opening sets the stage for her argument that superficial celebrations mask underlying issues of women's identity and societal roles. The opening portion serves as a visceral introduction to her critical examination of women's liberation and the impact of modernity on traditional values, suggesting that the recklessness of celebratory behavior reflects a deeper crisis of purpose and morality.

Reading guide

Themes, characters and key ideas in Women's Wild Oats: Essays on the Re-fixing of Moral Standards, written by Chaptra AI.

  • about 8 hours
  • intermediate
  • reflective
  • critical
  • thought-provoking

C. Gasquoine Hartley's "Women's Wild Oats" is an early 20th-century collection of essays critically examining the evolving roles and moral standards of women in post-World War I society. Through a lens of concern and skepticism, Hartley reflects on the implications of newfound freedoms, arguing that superficial celebrations of liberation mask deeper crises of identity and purpose for women. She critiques contemporary feminist movements, advocating for a re-evaluation of women's responsibilities and societal expectations beyond what she perceives as reckless modernity. The book serves as a historical document of conservative feminist thought responding to radical social change.

“The chaotic joy of Victory Day masked for me a deeper, unsettling disquietude regarding the very soul of womanhood.”

Key themes

The Re-fixing of Moral Standards
This central theme explores Hartley's call for a re-evaluation and potential re-establishment of ethical guidelines for women in a rapidly changing world. She argues that the existing moral framework, challenged by new freedoms, is insufficient and potentially detrimental, advocating for a new standard rooted in responsibility and purpose rather than mere liberation.
Liberation vs. Responsibility
Hartley critically examines the balance between newfound freedoms for women and the accompanying, often overlooked, responsibilities. She suggests that true liberation must integrate a strong sense of duty and purpose, warning against the pitfalls of freedom without a moral compass.
Women's Identity and Purpose
Hartley deeply explores the question of what constitutes women's identity and their fundamental purpose in society, particularly as traditional definitions were being challenged. She grapples with how women can define themselves meaningfully in an era of change, seeking a purpose beyond mere domesticity but also beyond what she sees as an aimless pursuit of novelty.

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How does Hartley's portrayal of 'wild oats' for women compare to contemporary ideas of female liberation and sexual freedom?

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