Daniel Defoe

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Student Question

What differences does Defoe highlight in "The Education of Women" between well-bred and ill-bred women?

Quick answer:

Defoe differentiates between "well-bred" and "ill-bred" women based on education rather than lineage. A "well-bred" woman, according to Defoe, is cultured and educated, making her more pleasant and socially adept. She knows when to speak and control her temper, unlike an "ill-bred" woman who might be impertinent or insolent. Thus, education refines a woman's behavior, enhancing her social grace and making her a more agreeable companion.

Expert Answers

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When Defoe uses the term "well bred" he really means a woman who is cultivated and cultured.  "Well bred" has to do with education, not with parentage.  He argues that a well bred woman is simply a more pleasant person than one who is not.  He argues that any sort of woman, with any sort of personality, will be more pleasant if she is well bred.

For example, Defoe argues that an intelligent woman who is not well bred will be "impertinent and talkative."  A well bred intelligent woman will know when to speak up and when to remain silent.  If a woman naturally has a bad temper and she is not well bred, she will be "haughty, insolent, and loud."  A well bred woman will be educated enough to know how to control her temper.  In both cases, the woman's education allows her to know how to act in ways that make her a more pleasant companion.

This, to Defoe, is the difference that "breeding" makes.  A well bred woman will be more pleasant to be around than one who is not.

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