Merits of Women: Wherein Is Revealed Their Nobility and Their Superiority to Men

The Merits of Women is a literary dialogue written by Moderata Fonte in the early 1590s, exploring the relative pros and cons of men and men's treatment of women. The dialogue unfolds among sixteenth-century women attending a respectable Venice garden party, and interrogates men and men's treatment of women, and explores the virtues of singledom and female friendship. The book is presented for a general audience and is a must-read for baby feminists and nasty women alike, as well as the perfect subtle gift for any mansplaining friend who needs a refresher on the merits of women.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 128 pages
Publication date: 20 April 2018
Publisher: The University of Chicago Press

The Merits of Women is a literary dialogue written by Moderata Fonte, a Renaissance poet and writer known by her pseudonym, Modesta Pozzo, in the early 1590s. The dialogue takes place at a respectable garden party in Venice, where sixteenth-century women, including those who are married, widowed, single, and betrothed, gather to discuss various topics. The broad theme of the dialogue is the relative pros and cons of men, and the cases in point range from pick-up artists to locker-room talk, double standards to fragile masculinity.

What sets The Merits of Women apart from other works of its time is its unique perspective. Instead of being written by ironic misandrist millenials venting at their local dive bar, the dialogue is written by sixteenth-century women attending a respectable garden party. This contrast allows the dialogue to interrogate men and men's treatment of women from a different angle, exploring the virtues of singledom and female friendship.

As the women diverge from their theme, discussing everything from astrology to the curative powers of plants and minerals, a remarkable group portrait of wisdom, wit, and erudition emerges. The dialogue is filled with witty observations and clever quips that showcase the intelligence and wit of the women.

One of the key themes of The Merits of Women is the idea that men are just like unlit lamps without the help of their wives. The women compare men to unreliable clocks that tell them it is ten o'clock when it is barely two, highlighting their lack of self-awareness and dependence on women. They also discuss the double standards that exist in society, where men are expected to be strong and independent, while women are often judged for their emotional and physical vulnerabilities.

Another theme of the dialogue is the idea that a man without a woman is like a fly without a head. The women argue that men are incomplete and lacking in self-awareness without the companionship and support of a woman. They highlight the importance of female friendship and the value of women as companions and confidants.

The Merits of Women is not just a witty and entertaining dialogue, but also a thought-provoking exploration of gender roles and the treatment of women. The dialogue challenges the traditional views of gender and highlights the importance of gender equality and social justice.

The dialogue was written on the cusp of Shakespeare's heyday, and it straddles the centuries between the feminist works of Christine de Pizan and Mary Wollstonecraft. This historical context adds an additional layer of significance to the dialogue, as it reflects the changing attitudes towards women and gender roles over time.

The Merits of Women is elegantly presented for a general audience, making it accessible to anyone interested in gender roles and the treatment of women. The dialogue is filled with witty observations and clever quips that will appeal to readers of all ages and backgrounds.

In conclusion, The Merits of Women is a must-read for anyone interested in gender roles, the treatment of women, and the history of feminist thought. The dialogue's unique perspective, witty observations, and thought-provoking themes make it a valuable addition to the literature on gender and society. Whether you are a baby feminist or a nasty woman, or simply someone who needs a refresher on the merits of women, this dialogue is sure to entertain and inspire you.

Weight: 134g
Dimension: 128 x 177 x 10 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780226550633