Italian history

 From a social perspective, women were supposed to take care of households’ affairs and were not supposed to be doing similar work as men in the market place. In Leon Battista’s writing, it would be disrespectful to the husbands for women to be seen in the public while men remained in the house like women. While women remained in the house, men were supposed to be doing manly things like other men, citizens and even worthy foreigners, (Alberti, 162).  The characters of women was seen as being weaker than that of men, and were viewed as timid, slow and soft and hence were best suited at minor things. The meant that they could not venture out to perform economic activities like men such as travelling on foreign land, gathering and acquiring of fortune. By nature, women were viewed as having lower mind capability than men. The perceived weak character meant that women could not also be involved politically since they could defend against an enemy, and the role of defense and her own protection was supposed to be provided by her husband. Giannozzo explains that he gave access to his wife all his household treasures but kept his records and books and those of his ancestors away from his wife so that she could not read or lay hands on them, (Alberti ,164). The wife was to be taught by her husband how to be submissive and obedient, and in fact her virtues and modesty had to be greater so that she could social qualify to be a good wife. Modesty raised her social profile so that she would be honored by other people especially neighbors and her chastity is majorly acceptable to God and her family.

In Castiglione’s writings, women seem to occupy a better status in the society, have political power, and are highly regarded especially those adorned with beauty. Even the lady servants are accorded respect especially if they serve the noble ruler.  However, her character and quality standards measured against man. Magnifico in the writing argues that, though women and men have common qualities, there are some things that fit a woman than man and vice versa. The words, gestures, manners and bearing of a woman should not be the same as man, so that the woman displays a delicate and soft tenderness, show a feminine sweetness that would make her appear womanly, (Castiglione, 3). However, she also appeared displayed as weak; hence, she had to maintain her honor by not attracting reproach. She would not defend herself since she lacks resources attributed to man. A woman was supposed to take care of her husband’s belongs and family, while her virtue and discernment protected her against arrogant men (Castiglione, 4). The woman was also supposed to be well knowledgeable and educated in various subjects so as to address people well. Men like Magnifico saw the equality between men and women in regard to mind’s ability , while others like Gaspare perceives nature as having granting women lower political and economic opportunities since they are weak.

 The noble and economically strong women occupied a higher status than other women in the lower classes. Those in from noble families had opportunities for leading like the Dutches, while others wre supposed to occupy their places as honorable wives and mothers who depend on men for protection and knowledge. The knowledgeable ones showed a liberated mind and viewed themselves as capable as men. Laura Cereta overcame her grieving over the death of her husband by immersing in literary studies (Castiglione,1488). The letter addressed to a man is a thorough defense of a learned woman. Her proof that she has the ability of the mind like man is an indication of a woman provided by an opportunity to learn.

Reference

Alberti, L, B. Marriage the family and women. 162 ,164

Laura Cereta, "Letter to Bibulus Sempronius, 13 January 1488"

Castiglione. The Book of the Courtier