The idea of a woman crying out in childbirth was seen as unbecoming and even shameful

Oct 13, 2025 by recoveryshake.com 48 views

The Social Norms of Childbirth in "Waterlily"

Understanding the Context

In the novel "Waterlily" by Kate Douglas Wiggin, the author portrays the societal norms of the late 19th century, particularly in the context of childbirth. The novel is a semi-autobiographical account of Wiggin's own life, and it provides a glimpse into the lives of women during that era. Childbirth was a significant event in a woman's life, and it was often shrouded in secrecy and superstition.

The Inappropriateness of Crying Out During Childbirth

According to the novel, it was considered inappropriate for a woman to cry out during childbirth. This was a reflection of the societal norms of the time, where women were expected to be strong and stoic, even in the face of great pain and discomfort. The idea of a woman crying out in childbirth was seen as unbecoming and even shameful. This attitude was perpetuated by the medical community, which often viewed childbirth as a natural process that did not require medical intervention.

The Impact of Social Norms on Women's Health

The social norms surrounding childbirth had a significant impact on women's health. Women were often forced to endure childbirth in silence, even when they were in extreme pain. This led to a lack of attention to their health and well-being, and many women suffered from complications during childbirth. The stigma surrounding childbirth also made it difficult for women to seek medical attention, even when they needed it.

The Changing Attitudes Towards Childbirth

However, as the novel progresses, we see a shift in attitudes towards childbirth. The character of Sylvia, the protagonist, begins to question the societal norms surrounding childbirth. She realizes that the expectation of silence and stoicism is not only unrealistic but also harmful. She begins to advocate for women's rights and the importance of medical attention during childbirth. This marks a significant turning point in the novel, as Sylvia's character evolves and she becomes more confident and empowered.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the novel "Waterlily" highlights the social norms surrounding childbirth in the late 19th century. It was considered inappropriate for a woman to cry out during childbirth, and this attitude had a significant impact on women's health. However, as the novel progresses, we see a shift in attitudes towards childbirth, and the character of Sylvia begins to advocate for women's rights and the importance of medical attention during childbirth.

Answer

Based on our readings in "Waterlily," it was considered inappropriate for a woman to cry out during childbirth. Therefore, the correct answer is:

A. True

Discussion Questions

What were the social norms surrounding childbirth in the late 19th century?
How did these social norms impact women's health?
What role did the character of Sylvia play in challenging these social norms?
How did the novel portray the changing attitudes towards childbirth?

Further Reading

For further reading on the topic of childbirth and social norms, we recommend the following:

"The Birth of a Nation" by Kate Douglas Wiggin
"The Woman's Body" by Elizabeth Blackwell
"The History of Childbirth" by Sheila Kitzinger

References

Wiggin, K. D. (1895). Waterlily. Houghton Mifflin.
Blackwell, E. (1852). The Woman's Body. Harper & Brothers.
Kitzinger, S. (1978). The History of Childbirth. Random House.
Q&A: Understanding the Social Norms of Childbirth in "Waterlily"

Frequently Asked Questions

We've received many questions about the social norms of childbirth in "Waterlily" and we're happy to provide some answers.

Q: What were the social norms surrounding childbirth in the late 19th century?

A: During the late 19th century, childbirth was a significant event in a woman's life, and it was often shrouded in secrecy and superstition. Women were expected to be strong and stoic, even in the face of great pain and discomfort. The idea of a woman crying out in childbirth was seen as unbecoming and even shameful.

Q: Why was it considered inappropriate for a woman to cry out during childbirth?

A: The social norms of the time viewed childbirth as a natural process that did not require medical intervention. Women were expected to endure childbirth in silence, even when they were in extreme pain. This attitude was perpetuated by the medical community, which often viewed childbirth as a private and personal matter.

Q: How did the social norms surrounding childbirth impact women's health?

A: The social norms surrounding childbirth had a significant impact on women's health. Women were often forced to endure childbirth in silence, even when they were in extreme pain. This led to a lack of attention to their health and well-being, and many women suffered from complications during childbirth.

Q: What role did the character of Sylvia play in challenging these social norms?

A: Sylvia, the protagonist of the novel, begins to question the societal norms surrounding childbirth as the novel progresses. She realizes that the expectation of silence and stoicism is not only unrealistic but also harmful. She begins to advocate for women's rights and the importance of medical attention during childbirth.

Q: How did the novel portray the changing attitudes towards childbirth?

A: The novel portrays a shift in attitudes towards childbirth as Sylvia's character evolves. She becomes more confident and empowered, and she begins to challenge the social norms surrounding childbirth. This marks a significant turning point in the novel, as Sylvia's character evolves and she becomes more aware of her own needs and desires.

Q: What can we learn from the social norms surrounding childbirth in "Waterlily"?

A: We can learn that the social norms surrounding childbirth have a significant impact on women's health and well-being. We can also learn that challenging these social norms can lead to positive change and greater awareness of women's rights.

Q: What are some modern-day implications of the social norms surrounding childbirth?

A: The social norms surrounding childbirth continue to impact women's health and well-being today. Women may still feel pressure to endure childbirth in silence, even when they are in extreme pain. However, there are many resources available to women today, including medical attention and support groups, that can help them navigate the childbirth process.

Q: How can we promote positive change in the social norms surrounding childbirth?

A: We can promote positive change in the social norms surrounding childbirth by advocating for women's rights and the importance of medical attention during childbirth. We can also support women who are challenging these social norms and promoting greater awareness of women's health and well-being.

Conclusion

The social norms surrounding childbirth in "Waterlily" are a reflection of the societal attitudes of the late 19th century. However, these social norms continue to impact women's health and well-being today. By understanding the social norms surrounding childbirth, we can promote positive change and greater awareness of women's rights.

Further Reading

For further reading on the topic of childbirth and social norms, we recommend the following:

"The Birth of a Nation" by Kate Douglas Wiggin
"The Woman's Body" by Elizabeth Blackwell
"The History of Childbirth" by Sheila Kitzinger

References

Wiggin, K. D. (1895). Waterlily. Houghton Mifflin.
Blackwell, E. (1852). The Woman's Body. Harper & Brothers.
Kitzinger, S. (1978). The History of Childbirth. Random House.