English 2 Assignment: Analyzing Judy Brady's 'Why I Want a Wife'

This assignment analyzes Judy Brady's essay, 'Why I Want a Wife.' The student's response addresses two key questions: why Brady begins the essay by identifying as both a wife and a mother, and how an encounter with a male friend influenced her desire to have a wife. The student explains that Brady's initial statement establishes her understanding of the responsibilities associated with being a wife and mother, highlighting the societal pressures and expectations placed upon women. The analysis further explores how Brady's interaction with a male friend led her to recognize the imbalance in societal roles, where men often have the freedom to pursue their interests while women are primarily responsible for domestic duties. The student effectively uses textual evidence to support the analysis, demonstrating an understanding of the essay's satirical tone and its commentary on gender roles.

University
Why I want a Wife?
Responses to Judy Brady’s essay
Student Credentials
3/25/2020

English 1
Why does Brady begin her essay by saying that she is both a wife and a mother?
It is so, because all she wants to clarify is that she has been playing a role of both a wife and a
mother. Becoming a wife comes with all sorts of responsibilities, despite being a career
oriented woman; she has to take care of her husband as well as her children. Societal pressure
and her upbringing all direct her to do what she is supposed to do or has to do. She clarifies
that despite being a wife, she would love to have a wife who would support her and take care
of her children as well and Brady then would not have to worry about anything else and just
focus on her studies (Brady, 2020).
How does her encounter with a male friend lead her to decide that she would like to
have a wife?
Upon that encounter, Brady realises that it is so easy for a male counterpart to find a wife and
get settled or start something new with another person. Men also do not have to worry about
the children, as the children are under care of their wife which is how they can attend classes,
go to job and socialise all they want, while on every step, wives have to take care of
everything in the background. Taking proper care of children, arranging dinner, be there for
their husbands, support them and what not. Brandy here highlights the multitasking ability of
women, fulfilling the duties related to the house, husband or children and as such without any
complaints is their full time job (Brady, 2017).

English 2
Bibliography
Brady, J.(., 2017. 'I Want a Wife,’ the Timeless ’70s Feminist Manifesto. [Online] Available
at: https://www.thecut.com/2017/11/i-want-a-wife-by-judy-brady-syfers-new-york-mag-
1971.html [Accessed 25 March 2020].
Brady, J., 2020. WHY I WANT A WIFE. [Online] Available at:
https://havlicek.weebly.com/uploads/6/8/5/2/685209/why_i_want_a_wife-1.pdf [Accessed 25
March 2020].