Mona Lisa Smile: Discussion

1.) In the 1950's women were supposed to be homemakers and social butterflies. Women were socially shunned if they attended graduate school or didn't get married. Women could go to college but were encouraged to take special courses that got them ready for home life such as interior decoration and family finance. Back then, women were supposed to cook and clean and take care of children. All while maintaining their outward appearance and social presence. Kathrine Watson thought more of women. In her mind, why couldn't women go to graduate school and pursue a profession? Why couldn't women focus on themselves and not get married? It all seemed unfair and demeaning to in her eyes. Kathrine saw marriage as something to do when you were ready for it, even if that means waiting a long time. She pushed students to further their educations and get jobs in whatever they wanted to do. Kathrine was helping change the way women were viewed by others, and themselves. 

3.) In the movie, Joan wants to become a lawyer and dreams of attending Yale. When she gets the application from Ms. Watson Betty, her best friend, tells her that she shouldn't do it. Betty tells Joan she is getting married and she need not want anything in life after that. She should spend the rest of her time and energy focusing on her husband and building a home. Betty is a product of the society back then, she believes that a woman's soul responsibility is to that of her husband and children. She was groomed since birth by her mother to become a wife, and she cannot bear to see Joan doing the opposite. I would like to believe that if I were Betty I would not have reacted the same. I think I would have told her she could do whatever she wants to and if that is going to Yale then do it. Although, times were different back then so there is no telling what I would have said back then. I think my reaction would have in no way been similar to Betty's