In the essay I Want a Wife, by Judy Brady, the Author details the many duties of being a wife explaining the reasons why she wants a wife for herself. The issues that the Author addresses in her essay were typical stereotypes of wives in her time period. Judy uses sarcasm in her essay, which makes it more effective because it really makes the reader think about what she is saying. .
In the beginning of Judy's essay, she tells the reader a little about her situation. She is a wife and a mother. A friend of hers recently got divorced and is currently looking for a new wife. After talking to her friend, she finds she would like to have a wife too. A wife that would not only support her but her children too. Her wife should pay for everything, keep track of appointments and take care of the children's needs and wants as well. Judy isn't being serious when she is saying all of this stuff. Using sarcasm she points out that it is ridiculous to expect all this of a wife without the help of a husband. .
She continues to list all 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 will always be able to find them. She also contends that a wife should also keep the house clean, do the laundry, iron the clothes, cook and take care of her husband when he is sick. Not only should a wife do all this but she should also care for her husband and children while on a family vacation. The last statement shows the reader that it is outrageous to expect all these things from a wife. The wife should be able to enjoy herself on a family vacation.
Judy beings to get more serious with the issues she addresses as her essay goes on. She states that a wife should take care of various social gatherings that her husband plans. The wife should make sure that the children are well fed and put to bed before the guests arrive.
