Turned by Charlotte Perkins Gilman

After reading Women and Economics by Charlotte Perkins Gilman, I felt that it was an obvious choice to read one of her many short stories as a literary connection. In Women and Economics, she discussed the small role women had in the economy. She explained that this trend continued due to the pressure of society to keep women out of the workforce. In her short story, "Turned," Gilman focused more on the topic of marriage, instead of women's attempt to work. The main character, Mrs. Marroner, discovered that her husband had been cheating on her with their maid, Gerta. As Mrs. Marroner reflected upon the beginning of Gerta's services, she remembered her physical beauty and willingness to learn. Along with these traits, Mrs. Marroner described Gerta as "perfection in a servant, but almost a defect in character" (368). This description troubled me even before I knew that Mr. Marroner and Gerta had an affair. It was obvious that Gerta was so close to perfection that any man would be physically attracted enough to cheat on their wife. When Mrs. Marroner first discovered this, she was outraged with Gerta. She ordered her to, "Go and pack your trunk" (371) clearly taking her anger out on Gerta without thinking of the part her husband took in the act. Mrs. Marroner's lack of anger towards her husband proved the respect women had for men. She believed that her husband was the only way to achieve happiness, so she did not put the blame on him at first. However, Mrs. Marroner came to the realization that although she was hurt by the situation, she felt more pity for Gerta than anything else. She stated, "All that splendid, clean young beauty, the hope of a happy life, with marriage and motherhood, honorable independence, even-these were nothing to that man" (373). Gerta had hoped for all that the typical women had wanted during this era. While she became emotionally attached, this was a simple fling for Mr. Marroner. He had taken advantage of Gerta's vulnerability without considering her feelings throughout this affair. This demonstrates the lack of respect men had for women at this time, and in some cases, still do today. They believed they could ignore any emotions, and do whatever they please because they were superior. Women were just objects to them, and although he may have loved his wife, it didn't affect the actions he committed to fulfill his happiness.
Mrs. Marroner's response to the cheating could be considered a solution to women being taken advantage of due to their role in society. She left her own house with Gerta, and took put her life into her own hands. She supported herself instead of relying on the job of her husband, and along with that, she took care of the "sacrificed and injured" child. The way Mrs. Marroner handled her situation is an example of how economic independence would release women from their subordination within marriage. She was able to leave her marriage, which was so important to her, and make a provide a sturdy foundation to start a new life.

Gilman, Charlotte Perkins. "Turned." Scribbling Women. Ed. Elaine Showalter. New Jersey: New Brunswick, 1996. 367-376. Print.