The Mona Lisa Smile: The Educated Women's Life In The 50’s
Is there a special role in which women are born into? The subject of women's role in society has always been a recurring topic. Called forth to the workforce at home, to make a family and domestic work. These idealistic images of a woman are influenced through media, environments, family, and society. Women are influenced by pop culture in ways that allows them to sacrifice their personal identity for traditional family roles. Institutional education during the early 50’s were allowed however, had more of a focus on educating women for a M. R. S degree.
The Mona Lisa Smile illustrates the ideal women as a beautiful, family oriented and has a strong emphasis on the husbands career over her own. Trained to become homemakers finding success in only raising a family and owning home appliances. The students attending “Wellesley College” are indicated as one of the most pristine and educated womens in the country. They are shown to be very intelligent and pretty though only primitively. They are book smart even shown as to finishing and memorizing the entire required text however, don't they think and consider their own thoughts and opinions. Intimidated by unorthodox ideals and liberalist thoughts. These smart women are unable to advance their academic career instead are pressed to prepare to accept their role as a housewife. Knowing fully that their education will be left behind unbeknownst to their true unhappiness. Katherine allows her students to break away from expectations. Indicated metaphorically in the paint by numbers example, which each girl paints Van Gogh’s ‘Sunflowers’ individually in their own way.
Demonstrating a women's potential to go beyond what is expected. Historically, many women conform to stereotypes made by society often portrayed as trophies. This can be true for Betty Warren, having the staunchest attitude to those who sway away from conservative beliefs. She believes that females are born to fulfill roles as a man's wife even quoting in her editorial “. . . it is our duty, nay, obligation to reclaim our place in the home. . . bearing the children that will carry our traditions into the future. ” It is clear that a woman's role is predetermined within society, creating a subordinate role for girls. Betty is unhindered in her message of what its takes to be a good wife is often seen exposing those who disrupts these beliefs. Although, she is conveyed as a headstrong and outspoken she is submissive to her husband. A handsome successful businessman with a nice home and wife. Although, after being cheated on Betty files a divorce and starts looking into a career as a lawyer. Transformed by her new outlook on life she disregards traditional beliefs and embraces a new outlook on a woman's role.
The Mona Lisa Smile depicts the true nature of an educated women's life in the 50’s. Delivering a deeper look to the roles places upon girls and the discrimination
