There was no use in trying to emancipate a wife who had not the dimmest notion that she was not free

There was no use in trying to emancipate a wife who had not the dimmest notion that she was not free

In the works of Edith Wharton, particularly in her novel "The Age of Innocence," the theme of societal expectations and the constraints they place on individuals, particularly women, is a prevalent one. The quote "There was no use in trying to emancipate a wife who had not the dimmest notion that she was not free" encapsulates this theme perfectly, highlighting the idea that many women in Wharton's time were unaware of the limitations placed on them by society.

In the world of Edith Wharton's novels, women were expected to conform to strict social norms and expectations. They were often seen as little more than possessions of their husbands, with their primary role being to support and serve their families. This quote speaks to the idea that many women of this time were so ingrained in these societal expectations that they did not even realize they were being oppressed.