Study Guide for Mill’s “The Subjection of Women”

All questions should be answered in your own words on a separate sheet of paper.

1. Explain the object of Mill’s essay.

2. Why does Mill say it is so difficult to express his argument, or any argument for that matter?

3. In what case would men’s subjection over women be acceptable?

4. How did women’s subjection come about? What was its source?

5. How does Mill compare slavery to the subjection of women?

6. What is the “law of force”?

7. Over whom specifically do people desire power?

8. What “natural” examples of female equality does Mill bring up in his essay?

9. Why is the subjection of women not enforced under the “law of force”?

10. What must a man enslave in order to rule a woman?

11. What three principles shape a woman’s education?

12. What does Mill cite as the distinguishing difference between modern society and those of the past?

13. How does Mill describe the “nature of women”?

14. Why can’t men or women ever truly know the characteristics of the opposite sex?

15. Who alone can explain and understand women?

16. When will society truly learn about the nature of women?

Study Guide for Greg’s “Why Are Women Redundant?”

All questions should be answered in your own words on a separate sheet of paper.

1. What subject has recently been on the minds of the British?

2. What, according to Greg, is “indicative of an unwholesome social state” and is the subject of his essay?

3. How does Greg describe the occupations and existences of independent women?

4. Why do single women take up jobs, the veil, or some other philanthropic work?

5. Why do women remain single? (There are several reasons)

6. How does Greg describe this “residue” of unmarried women?

7. Approximately how many women are “spinsters, social disorders, and anomalies” in Great Britain?

8. What does Greg describe as the chief cause of the disproportionate number of Old Maids?

9. Why does Greg suggest women move to America?

10. Why does Greg say the transportation of women will be difficult? What (or who) is Greg not taking into account?

11. Explain why Greg cites “luxury” as a cause of female redundancy.

12. Why are unmarried female servants not a part of the “problem”?

13. Explain in your own words the third and final cause of the surplus of women.

Study Guide for Samuel Smiles’ “Self-Help With Illustrations of Character and Conduct”

All questions should be answered in your own words on a separate sheet of paper.

1. What is the true source of “national vigor and strength”?

2. Why is outside help and over guidance a negative thing?

3. According to Smiles, what is the government’s chief duty?

4. What is national progress? Conversely, what is national decay?

5. What does the highest patriotism and philanthropy consist of?

6. Who is “the greatest slave”?

7. Why are Englishmen free?

8. Why are biographies important and useful?

9. What English characteristic are foreigners “keen to note”?

10. What English trait was responsible for the “industrial greatness” seen throughout the Empire?

11. What is considered the “best test of energies” for a man?

12. What is Smiles’ opinion on the chances of men born into poverty?

13. According to Smiles, what is more powerful, natural vigor or industriousness? Why?

14. Why does Smiles feel it is important to continue the innovative work of others?