In “The Great Lawsuit,” Margaret Fuller explores themes of equality, transcendence, and the struggle for human progress. The essay is considered an early example of feminist writing and reflects Fuller’s contributions to transcendentalism and the women’s rights movement of the 1800s.
Sarah Margaret Fuller, also known as Margaret Fuller and later as Marchesa Ossoli after her marriage, was an influential American critic, teacher, and writer. Born on May 23, 1810, in Cambridgeport (now part of Cambridge), Massachusetts, she played a significant role in shaping American culture by promoting refinement and intellectual enrichment among her peers. Fuller’s most notable work, Woman in the Nineteenth Century, published in 1845, explored the role and status of women in society. Tragically, she passed away on July 19, 1850, while traveling by sea near Fire Island, New York.
The Great Lawsuit | Summary
Fuller’s essay is based on the notion that humanity will rightfully inherit the earth when individuals attain elevated consciousness and a deep understanding of divine love. Throughout history, there have been periods when people were more attuned to this love, but currently, many are spiritually unaware. Nonetheless, Fuller remains optimistic and believes that a new awakening is on the horizon, as everyone possesses the power to attain enlightenment. However, mankind is hindered from reaching perfection due to selfish desires. Fuller predicts a time when women will call for men, symbolizing equality and shared responsibilities, as opposed to the historical reliance on men’s calls for women.
According to Fuller, America has been held back from achieving equality due to the inherited depravity from Europe, leading to the mistreatment of Native and African Americans. She cites the ancient Medes, who emphasized the equality and interconnectedness of all people. Those who infringe upon the rights of others are condemned, and hypocrisy is seen as the gravest sin. Fuller argues that experiencing divine love is not enough; it must also be put into practice. She highlights abolitionists, including many women, as examples of individuals who embody this love through their actions and dedication to humanity.
Fuller proceeds to examine the roles of men and women in America. She notes the common belief that in marriage, men are the heads of households while women are the hearts. Problems with the law stem from the perception of women as inferior, on par with children but not equal to men. However, Fuller asserts that women yearn for expansion and strive to be like men, advocating for their self-dependence through education. She contends that true equality between genders would elevate divinity to new heights and enrich the lives of both men and women. Historical evidence, such as the presence of male and female saints in Christianity, supports this notion. Fuller claims that women need intellectual and religious freedom equal to that of men, rather than relying solely on poetry or power for happiness, which they now have access to.
The essay then delves into the evolution of marriage from a convenience-based union to a partnership of equal souls, highlighting four types of marriages ranked in ascending order. The first type is a household partnership based on convenience and mutual dependence. The second is mutual idolatry, where each partner sees the other as a perfect being, excluding the rest of the world. Intellectual companionship, characterized by friendship and trust, comes next but lacks deep love. The highest form of marriage is the religious union, encompassing all three previous forms while fostering mutual dependence, idolatry, and respect. In this union, the man and woman are equals on a journey toward a shared spiritual destination. Fuller briefly mentions the lives of “old maids” who, despite the societal stigma, have the opportunity for profound communion with the divine that married individuals may not experience to the same extent.
To strengthen her argument for women’s intellectual and spiritual growth, Fuller examines the differences between men and women. She asserts that the souls of men and women are fundamentally the same, despite variations in masculinity and femininity. The differences lie not between genders but between individuals, as both possess masculine and feminine energies: “There is no wholly masculine man, no purely feminine woman.”
In conclusion, Fuller emphasizes that true union can only occur when each person becomes an individual and self-reliant entity. For women to achieve this, men must relinquish their dominant influence, while women themselves must assert their self-dependence and free themselves from male influence. Fuller concludes by envisioning a future where a remarkable woman emerges as a guide to teach other women how to become independent individuals.
The Great Lawsuit | Analysis
“The Great Lawsuit” by Margaret Fuller is an essay that was first published in 1843 in The Dial, a journal she edited at the time. It later expanded into her book “Woman in the Nineteenth Century,” published in 1845.
Fuller argues for the equality of men and women, advocating for their equal rights, including the rights to own property and vote. Fuller draws parallels between the oppression faced by American women and that of slaves in the South, aligning herself with abolitionist principles.
The essay begins with Fuller pondering whether humanity will ever achieve an enlightened state that allows for a closer relationship with the divine. She compares the current state of humanity to slumber, where selfishness hinders the attainment of a higher existence. Fuller believes that humanity is destined to attain perfection, particularly the perfection of divine love, and cites the Gospel of Matthew to support her argument.
Fuller criticizes the various forces that impede human progress toward enlightenment, particularly in the United States. She highlights the country’s inheritance of Europe’s patriarchal attitudes, violence, and mistreatment of women, indigenous peoples, and individuals of African descent. Fuller commends women for their leadership in the anti-slavery movement and argues that the fight for women’s equality should be intertwined with the abolitionist cause.
Opponents of gender equality often frame advocates of equality as threats to the nation’s prosperity and the traditional family unit. They argue that men are naturally the heads of households and should make decisions for women. Fuller acknowledges that not all men hold this view and suggests that some are contemplating whether women are capable of more and whether improvements in their condition should be allowed. However, women continue to be subjugated, facing inequalities in property rights and other areas, and relying on men’s goodwill for justice.
Fuller asserts that women must represent their own interests in public and rejects the idea that men will inherently advocate for women. She counters arguments that suggest women’s engagement in public discourse would disrupt their motherly roles or harm the beauty of homes and legislative institutions. Fuller believes that women can advocate for their interests gracefully and responsibly and that men’s opinions should not outweigh women’s own wishes.
According to Fuller, men’s fear of women’s desires and potential leads them to maintain control over women’s lives. She argues that men should recognize women’s contributions and acknowledge their capacity for transcendence. Fuller criticizes the historical neglect of women’s accomplishments in favor of emphasizing their physical attractiveness and conventional femininity. She calls for creating an atmosphere that recognizes and appreciates women’s diverse contributions.
Fuller emphasizes the need to improve education for girls and argues for giving them the same opportunities as boys. She rejects the notion that girls’ education is valuable primarily for their roles as companions and mothers, emphasizing the intrinsic value of developing girls’ intellects. Fuller discusses different types of marriages and suggests that women’s equality and recognition would lead to more fulfilling and equal partnerships. She also reflects on the situation of unmarried women and the importance of self-reliance and spiritual focus.
“The Great Lawsuit” is thus a significant feminist essay that explores themes of equality, transcendence, and women’s rights in the 19th century. Fuller advocates for women’s equal rights, education, and representation, drawing parallels between the oppression faced by women and slaves. She challenges traditional gender roles, calls for recognition of women’s diverse contributions, and argues for a society that embraces equality and spiritual growth.
