Women's rights and children in 1900 : chapter 7

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Edit   Delete - Last Modified By: JCA at 1/08/2014 9:15:32 PM

Women's rights and poverty in the 1900's.

We refer to 1900 as the turn of the century. Do you understand what this means? 

Today, single parents are supported through the single parent pension. Yet this did not exist for women in 1900.

Read the following : 

At the turn of the century there was no social security system in Australia. Charitable relief was provided to needy persons by voluntary organisations, in some cases with the assistance of government grants. Sydney was a harsh city in its early years, especially for unmarried mothers. With nowhere to turn, they often abandoned their babies. Many of these children died, having never been held or loved.

In 1874 a group of courageous women fought against accepted wisdom, the Church, the press and prominent citizens of the day to establish a home for abandoned infants and unmarried mothers with children. These visionaries recognised the folly of the dominant view that a refuge would condone immoral behavior. They knew that a home for deserted children would save lives.

New hope for vulnerable children - In the face of protests, the women persevered, driven by the belief that children deserve the chance to thrive.

On May 15, 1874 they established the Sydney Foundling Institute in Victoria Street, Darlinghurst – the first and only home in Australia to cater for abandoned children and to provide accommodation for unmarried mothers and their babies.

Now read on - 

Chapter 7 - Frankie and his fondness for Sarah Hardy

1. Why does Mrs Donegan need to rely on prostitution to live? p 56 - 7 What do women (or men) have today that means they will not starve if their husband/partner leaves them or they become widowed?

2. Gordie and Mrs Donegan must survive the hardship of their lives - read the final paragraph on p 57 and read p 58. What do we learn about Gordie's life? Is Frankie a compassionate character? Provide evidence in the form of quotes.

 

REFLECTION

What are the main ideas that the author Robert Newton has introduced so far? Think about the themes of friendship, loyalty, poverty – and any other themes?

Do you think that Robert Newton's novel ONLY considers the ugliness of the boys' lives and poverty? Or is there humour and strength as well? 

 

Edit   Delete - Last Modified By: JCA at 1/08/2014 9:20:18 PM

 

Women's rights and poverty in the 1900's.

We refer to 1900 as the turn of the century. Do you understand what this means? 

Today, single parents are supported through the single parent pension. Yet this did not exist for women in 1900.

Read the following : 

At the turn of the century there was no social security system in Australia. Charitable relief was provided to needy persons by voluntary organisations, in some cases with the assistance of government grants. Sydney was a harsh city in its early years, especially for unmarried mothers. With nowhere to turn, they often abandoned their babies. Many of these children died, having never been held or loved.

In 1874 a group of courageous women fought against accepted wisdom, the Church, the press and prominent citizens of the day to establish a home for abandoned infants and unmarried mothers with children. These visionaries recognised the folly of the dominant view that a refuge would condone immoral behavior. They knew that a home for deserted children would save lives.

New hope for vulnerable children - In the face of protests, the women persevered, driven by the belief that children deserve the chance to thrive.

On May 15, 1874 they established the Sydney Foundling Institute in Victoria Street, Darlinghurst – the first and only home in Australia to cater for abandoned children and to provide accommodation for unmarried mothers and their babies.

Now read on - 

Chapter 7 - Frankie and his fondness for Sarah Hardy

1. Why does Mrs Donegan need to rely on prostitution to live? p 56 - 7 What do women (or men) have today that means they will not starve if their husband/partner leaves them or they become widowed?

2. Gordie and Mrs Donegan must survive the hardship of their lives - read the final paragraph on p 57 and read p 58. What do we learn about Gordie's life? Is Frankie a compassionate character? Provide evidence in the form of quotes.

 

REFLECTION

What are the main ideas that the author Robert Newton has introduced so far? Think about the themes of friendship, loyalty, poverty – and any other themes?

Do you think that Robert Newton's novel ONLY considers the ugliness of the boys' lives and poverty? Or is there humour and strength as well?