John Stuart Mill Radical Thinker

John Stuart Mill was considered a radical during the Victorian Era. What does it take to be classified a radical? You just have to respect your wife and consider her an equal. Oh! The horror of such a radical view, this was a man after my own independent female heart!

Mill became a political activist at a young age. He was even arrested at the age of seventeen for distributing information about birth control. His Statement Repudiating the Rights of Husbands, spoke to his revolutionary thoughts on women’s rights. In his statement, he relinquishes his right of ownership over his wife. He very clearly states,
“that she retains in all respects whatever the same absolute freedom of action, and freedom of disposal of herself and of all that does or may at any time belong to her, as if no such marriage had taken place; and I absolutely disclaim and repudiate all pretence to have acquired any rights whatever by virtue of such marriage”
This was written March 6, 1851 a full hundred and fourteen years before the American Civil Rights Movement. This was radical thinking. John Stuart Mill is making another statement. He not only campaigns for women’s rights but he brings it home. This was evidence that he walked the walked. He was being completely transparent with this statement.

I was definitely born in the right time. I am very independent by nature. My mother encouraged my independence. I was taught to think and speak for myself. In my journey to receive my degree, I have taken philosophy and English classes. I have read female authors and explored their history. The time for women is now. Women are strong. Women hold the power. Unfortunately, it is not the same for all women. There are countries that still hold fast to the barbaric notion of women as property. I pray for those women that progress reaches them some day. I am grateful for the strong and brave women that have paved the way for me.

Porphyria’s Lover – A Story of Murder

Robert Browning used his poem “Porphyria” to tell a story of a young girl’s murder. Our text tells us it was inspired by the alleged murder committed by Alfonso II duke of Ferrara. In this poem we see the psychopathic nature of the person telling the story. The story began on a stormy night and ends in murder.

I have read dark poems before. Edgar Allen Poe wrote many dark and disturbing poems. I was surprised by this poem. The climax took me entirely by surprise. The poem begins with a story of a maiden coming home to her man and wanting to please him. “She put my arm around her waist, / and made her smooth white shoulder bare.” (line 16 & 17) She bares her shoulder and lets her hair down. She is trying to entice him. She wants his attention and his love. Her desire for his affection ultimately endangers her life. “Happy and proud; at last I knew / Porphyria worshipped me; surprise / Made my heart swell, and still it grew / While I debated what to do.” (line 32 – 35) A beautiful woman loves him and desires him. What does he need to debate? He makes a decision to take action.
“That moment she was mine; mine, fair
Perfectly pure and good; I found
A thing to do, and all her hair
In one long yellow string I wound
Three times her little throat around,
And strangles her.” (line 36 – 41).
I just wanted to scream No, you monster!

This poem is very different from others we have read. There have been many poems dealing with religion and love. “Porphyria” is rough and dangerous. . I think the woman in the poem is his mistress. He just seems to be so detached from her. He does not become emotional until he realizes how much she loves him. This poem is so disturbing. It reminds me of someone like Scott Peterson who killed his pregnant wife. There was no remorse over what he did. This poem left me feeling devastated and disgusted. The speaker is so smug about killing this young woman. It leaves me felling dirty after reading it.