In Times Like These

In Short

This collection of essays argues that the struggle for women’s rights is a fundamental moral imperative rather than a mere political preference. By examining the domestic, social, and economic conditions of the early 20th century—including the horrors of the Great War and the systemic abuse fueled by the liquor trade—the text dismantles the traditional arguments against female suffrage. Its enduring power lies in its unyielding demand for "a fair deal," framed not as a request for special treatment, but as a recognition of a common, shared humanity that transcends gender.

The Story

The narrative begins with a stark rejection of the idea that war is inevitable. The author argues that conflict is a "crime committed by men," and that because women have been excluded from the discussions that lead to war, they are left only to bear its catastrophic costs. She highlights the absurdity of a world that values the "gentle" domesticity of women while ignoring the fact that these same women are often treated as mere property or household appendages. By pointing to the tragedy of the Belgian invasion, she illustrates that a society built on the subjugation of women—where women are taught only to be silent, humble, and obedient—cannot produce a stable or peaceful world.

As the book progresses, the focus shifts to the domestic sphere, specifically the "Hardy Perennials" of prejudice that persist in Canadian society. The author meticulously dismantles the common claims that women do not want to vote, that they would simply double their husbands' votes, or that voting would distract them from their "natural" duties. She argues that these arguments are essentially defensive maneuvers by those who fear losing their own influence. She highlights the hypocrisy of a "chivalry" that offers a woman a seat on a streetcar but denies her the legal agency to protect her own property, her children, or her physical safety.

The argument deepens through a critique of the church and the home, which she identifies as institutions that have historically interpreted life through a strictly masculine lens. She shares heartbreaking anecdotes—such as the story of a young girl betrayed and ruined because she was denied the tools of self-determination—to show that inequality is not an abstract issue but one with lethal consequences. She posits that the "new chivalry" must be founded upon justice, providing women with the weapons of citizenship so they may defend themselves against those who would exploit them.

Ultimately, the book moves toward a vision of economic independence. The author argues that when marriage becomes a "clothes and board" arrangement, it degrades both the individual and the race. She envisions a future where women and men work as partners, free from the financial chains that currently make many women dependent on the whims of male relatives. The book ends on a note of spiritual and practical optimism, asserting that the world is evolving toward a more balanced state. She encourages readers to abandon the "gloom" of traditional, pessimistic thinking and embrace a brighter, more active engagement with the world, suggesting that nature and divinity themselves provide evidence that beauty and justice are the intended order of life.

How It Unfolds

The war that never ends The author establishes the central conflict of humanity, arguing that war persists because men have historically held the power to wage it while women have been relegated to the sidelines to suffer the consequences. She asserts that war is not a natural occurrence but a human failure that will only be corrected when women have a voice in the policies that shape their societies.

The anatomy of prejudice The text turns to the political resistance against suffrage, comparing entrenched biases to "hardy perennials" that grow without cultivation and require constant vigilance to uproot. She systematically deconstructs the arguments of "Superior Persons" who claim women are too fragile or too disinterested to participate in the democratic process.

The myth of the gentle lady The author exposes the limitations of the "gentle lady" ideal, showing that those who refuse to engage with the harsh realities of the world—such as factory conditions or systemic abuse—are complicit in the suffering of others. She argues that true nobility of character requires the courage to face unpleasant truths and the willingness to take action against them.

The path toward the fair deal The final sections advocate for economic liberation and a spiritual shift in how society views human value. She concludes by calling on the reader to reject the "gloom" of traditionalist, fatalistic thinking, urging a hopeful, collaborative future where men and women work together in a spirit of justice.

The People

The author, Nellie L. McClung, acts as the primary voice of reason, sharp-witted and relentless in her pursuit of logic. She stands in opposition to the "Superior Persons," a collective group of traditionalists—both men and women—who defend the status quo with aphorisms about "woman’s place" and a stubborn refusal to entertain new ideas. Within the domestic scenes, we meet the "Gentle Lady," a woman who prides herself on her refinement and lack of awareness, serving as a cautionary figure of what happens when a person avoids the realities of their society. We also see the "broken" individuals, such as the young girl lost to exploitation or the elderly grandmother left to rely on the "keep" of her son, who represent the human cost of a system that denies women legal and financial agency. These figures are contrasted with the "new women," who seek to move beyond these roles to become full citizens, refusing to let their worth be determined by others.

In Its Own Voice

"War is the antithesis of all our teaching."

The author begins her critique of global conflict by pointing out the glaring contradiction between the world's stated moral values and the reality of state-sanctioned violence.

"Chivalry is something like the icing on the cake, sweet but not nourishing."

In her assessment of the "old chivalry," she captures the hollowness of performative kindness that is used as a substitute for actual justice.

"It takes nobility of heart to understand nobility of heart."

When addressing why some women fail to support the suffrage movement, she identifies the spiritual and intellectual barrier that prevents individuals from recognizing the value of the fight for equality.

What It's Really About

The book is fundamentally an argument for the expansion of human consciousness. It moves beyond simple political advocacy to ask why society insists on maintaining structures that limit half of the population. The underlying question is whether humanity can ever be truly moral if it remains predicated on the inequality of its citizens. The author argues that women’s subordination is not an accident of nature but a deliberate, destructive choice that weakens the entire race. She challenges the reader to consider the moral impact of their own complacency, insisting that the "fair deal" is a necessary condition for a functioning, decent society.

Why Read It Today

Readers will appreciate this book for its biting wit, which remains surprisingly fresh. The author’s ability to skewer the self-importance of the "Superior Persons" of her day provides a masterclass in rhetorical precision. While some of the specific references to the liquor trade or the Great War are rooted in 1915, the core of the book—the battle against entrenched social attitudes and the demand for genuine equality—will resonate with anyone who has felt the frustration of societal inertia.

The reading experience is like engaging in a lively, pointed debate with an incredibly sharp-minded neighbor. Be prepared for a voice that is unapologetic and occasionally stern; the author does not suffer fools, and her impatience with "gentle" complacency is palpable. While the text is a product of its time, its commitment to the idea that women are not merely domestic commodities is as relevant as ever. If you value historical arguments that prioritize logic over sentimentality, and if you enjoy prose that is both warm and bitingly intelligent, you will find this an essential and invigorating read. It stays with you as a reminder that the path toward progress is paved by those who refused to accept "that's just the way it is" as a final answer.