WOMEN ON THE PLANTATION

 Women on the plantation had a very specific role that allowed no deviation.  From childhood, each and every female was groomed and molded to successfully fulfill their role in adulthood.  This stringent role was initiated once the female was married, which generally occurred in the mid to late teens.

Once married, the “plantation mistresses” (women of the plantation) were to uphold the sanctity of marriage by remaining submissive to their husbands.  Plantation mistresses were to exemplify excellence according to society’s standards.  This included pristine etiquette, social charm, and grace.  Women were expected to exude femininity.  Plantation mistresses were required to obey their husbands, the plantation masters.  Even though the women of the plantation held a higher social status than the slaves, the expectations varied only minimally.

     The women of the plantation were required to manage the inner workings of the house, dairy, and the henhouse.  The women supervised and delegated daily tasks to the slaves that worked in these areas.  In addition to the housework, the women of the plantation were responsible for childbearing and child rearing.  The masters of the plantation expected their offspring to be nurtured and well educated, as in society’s eyes this was a direct reflection of the master.  Women of the plantation often worked daily from dawn until after dusk.  

Even though leisure time was minimal, plantation women enjoyed reading, writing, spending time with other plantation mistresses, and attending church.  However, women of the plantation were not allowed to leave the plantation without the blessing of the master (their husband) and escorted by a chaperone.  Therefore, many women were isolated to the plantation.  (Tiffany C.)
       Life in the manor for the plantation owners, their wives and families may not have been a life of leisure, but it was vastly different from the lives that the slaves led.  This is evident from even the quarters the slaves were given to live in.  (Next section:  Life in the Slave Quarters).