In Judy Brady's essay, "I Want a Wife," she explains the many reasons she wants a wife by detailing what she sees to be a wife's duties, and I feel that Brady had a good reason for writing this because the issues she addresses in the essay were common stereotypes in her time period--the early seventies. Brady's use of sarcasm makes the essay more effective because it makes the reader think about what she is really saying. .
To start off her essay, Brady tells the reader very briefly about her situation; she is a wife and a mother. A friend of hers had recently divorced and is now looking for a new wife. And in talking to her friend, she contends that she too would like to have a wife. A wife that will financially support her and those who depend on her. So, she would like a wife who will not only support her, but her children as well. In everyway. Her wife should pay for everything, keep track of appointments, and take care of the children's needs and wants as well. I think Brady made a good point in the beginning of this essay. I don't think Brady is being serious when saying this. You sort of have to think of it backwards to know what she means. She points out, using sarcasm, that it is ridiculous to expect all of this of a wife. She is asking, "Why can't I have a person to do this for me?" .
Brady continues the list of what she believes to be the day-to-day duties demanded of a wife. The wife should keep the house in order and make sure that the "husband's" personal items are kept in a constant place so that he may always find them. Brady also contends that the wife should also keep the house clean, cook (well), and take care of her husband while he is sick. Not only should the wife do this, bur she should also care for her husband and children while on family vacation. I found this last idea to be preposterous! In my opinion, on a family vacation a wife should be able to enjoy herself; she should be able to take a break for all her day-to-day duties as a wife.