The Girl of the Period is basically one author’s response to a change in culture. Linton is threatened by women starting to express themselves and be outspoken. Linton was brought up to be courteous to her husband at all times and never disobey. So she believes that girls that aren’t like the traditional English girl is only driven by money and fun and has no concept of respect. The simple fact is…Linton is threatened by change. She is stuck in her old ways. Woman are not becoming greedy, they are becoming outspoken. But change is threatening in many aspects of life especially in the science community.
Every time there was a new discovery that falsified previous knowledge, it caused backlash from scientists all over. When it was discovered that the sun was the center of the solar system, it was not accepted by the scientific community easily. The man who came up with the germ theory was mocked and called crazy. Change never happens without a fight. Not in science and certainly not in culture.
It is not to say that Linton is wrong in her way of thinking. Putting love and happiness before money is definitely the right way to live. But the obedient housewife role just isn’t relevant in today’s culture. Our society has become materialistic there’s no doubt about it, but it isn’t because of women finally getting a voice.
