Le Guin was one of the more outspoken feminists at the time she was asked to give what would become "A Left-Handed Commencement," so it's no surprise that her address would touch on the topics of femininity and the role of women in society. In fact, that's probably why they asked her, what with Mills being a women's college and all.
But what is surprising is how little things have changed since 1983. Many of her thoughts on inequality and injustice towards the "fairer sex" (we have a feeling she'd resent that term) still resonate with women today, which is why her address is still considered one of the greatest graduation speeches in American history.
Questions About Women and Femininity
- What was going on in the early '80s that made Le Guin's argument about women finding their own measure of success so appealing?
- Why shouldn't women fight against the male power hierarchy? Doesn't that seem contrary to the rest of her message?
- What does Le Guin say about the nature of femininity?
- How many of the statements about women in the address are still applicable today?
Chew on This
Women should just go create their own society. No Men Allowed. It'll be way better.
Le Guin isn't proposing to start a war between the genders; she's actually advocating a silent, peaceful uprising.