SWA #4

     In Catherine E. Beecher’s “On the Preservation of a Good Temper in A Housekeeper”, there is a continuous theme of happiness and a certain sunshine around every good housekeeper. To be a good housekeeper one must be gentle and cheerful but always know that every mood will result from her system and neatness. The audience should understand that a housekeeper sets the vibe for everyone present and such little things like tone of voice and the way the mistress enters the room play a part in a good housekeeper. An “equable and cheerful temper” is so important because the housekeeper is like the circle of sunshine, keeping everything happy and going the right way.

            First off a woman that is in charge of a large household should regard her duties as dignified, important, and difficult. She should always make everything very important, even small tasks. Also always be prepared for mistakes or interference with plans that are made. Something always comes up and can ruin the plans that were made. In accordance with the rule before, always make plans to best fit your guests and their character. A very important rule is that system, economy, and neatness go so far as long as they promote comfort. Also when it comes to comfort your tone of voice is very important thing to keep in mind. No matter what, make allowances for bad behavior and immature minds because plans will be interfered with otherwise. The most important rule of them all that Beecher speaks of is the Heavenly Father being in your right mind to help secure a good-natured and cheerful temper.

            Throughout the whole chapter I feel like Beecher is making assumptions. She believes that every woman should be a stay at home “housekeeper” and not own a job. She believes her happiness is not important but that of others is what is more important. She complicates her definitions of woman and housekeeper because they sound like they go hand in hand. She thinks that happiness should come from making others happy not from making yourself happy, in terms of a woman and housekeeper.