the problematics of motherhood in twentieth century women's fiction

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servants and the children. And prices" (DH. 1201, who never
has her food till he reaches home, who never calls him by
his name.
2.4.4. In order to fulfil obligations and expectations of
motherhood and the rigour of brlnging up three small
children, Beatrice, Rosamund's sister in The Millstone,
forsakes even the prospect of taklng up a career, regretting
"not using her degree to its best advantage" (MS 88)
Though Beatrice had always sung to Rosamund the praises of
motherhood and domesticity, she 1s not sympathetic towards
Rosamund's pregnant state
Havlng imbibed the patrlarchal
concept of motherhood Beatrlce 1s unable to accept
motherhood outslde marital bounds
Advising Rosamund to
have the baby adopted, Beatrice warns her agalnst the
responslbllity and problems ln brlnglng lt up
2.5.0. The lnstltutlon of motherhood gains sanction and
1s reinforced by a rellglon that is essentially patrlarchal
The lmage of the benevolent mother in both Western and
Eastern tradltlon 1s an additional burden the woman has to
carry
Any devlance from these images is deemed abnormal or
lmmoral by the lnstltutlon
The famllial / social,
.ldeolog~cal and political system of patriarchy uses rellgion
i ritual / tradition / customs to determine what part women
shall or shall not play, thus subsurnlng the female under the