Ce que vaut une femme: Traité d'éducation morale et pratique des jeunes filles

Ce que vaut une femme: Traité d'éducation morale et pratique des jeunes filles (What a Woman is Worth: A Treatise on the Moral and Practical Education of Young Girls) is a 19th-century French conduct book written by Éline Roch. The book is a guide for young girls on how to become good wives and mothers. It covers topics such as morality, religion, domesticity, and social etiquette.

Roch's advice is based on the belief that a woman's primary role in life is to support her husband and raise her children. She emphasizes the importance of modesty, obedience, and selflessness. She also encourages young girls to develop their domestic skills, such as cooking, sewing, and housekeeping.

Ce que vaut une femme is a product of its time and reflects the prevailing gender norms of the 19th century. However, it also offers some valuable insights into the lives of young women in this period. The book is a reminder of the challenges that women faced in a society that limited their opportunities and defined their worth in terms of their domestic roles.

Here are some of the key themes of the book:

• The importance of religion: Roch emphasizes the importance of religion in a woman's life. She encourages young girls to pray regularly, read the Bible, and attend church services.
• The importance of modesty: Roch believes that modesty is essential for a woman's virtue. She advises young girls to dress modestly and to avoid any behavior that could be considered flirtatious or provocative.
• The importance of obedience: Roch believes that a woman should be obedient to her husband. She advises young girls to respect their husbands' authority and to always defer to their wishes.
• The importance of selflessness: Roch believes that a woman should be selfless and put the needs of her family before her own. She advises young girls to be patient, understanding, and forgiving.