Reviews

The Angel Over the Right Shoulder; or, The Beginning of a New Year by Elizabeth Stuart Phelps

willwork4airfare's review

4.0

Published in 1852, this is a really quick read-- about seven pages. While it really illustrates gender roles of the time between man and wife, it's really easy to find connections to our modern society and the parallels between their relationship.

A man commits his wife to a little experiment-- every day for a month, she will take two hours to herself and neglect all her chores and duties as both a mother and her wife. She insists that it's impossible, but goes along with her husband's plan, if only to prove to him just how vital her role is in the household. Will he realize how vital her role in the household is, or will she discover that she really does just need to create a system and find some time for herself?

Phelps writes simply and honestly, weaving a tale that any housewife can relate to. The extensive dream sequence highlights a large religious theme that is paramount to the era, but can run on the tedious side for disinterested readers. The story contains elements of a cautionary tale, advocating the democratic household and a wife's role in the home, a red flag for any feminist-leaning minds. The actions of the characters are believable and endearing, but her interactions with her husband leave much to be desired. Overall, a decent, quick read that'll make you feel that much more intelligent and worldly for having done so.