SWA #4 On the Preservation of a Good Temper in a Housekeeper

A housekeeper could be defined as a wife, mother, and caretaker of the home.  An "equable and cheerful temper" is necessary for a housekeeper because without it the household will not be happy.  She has to be content for the sake of the rest of the family, because if she is not then the rest of the family is not.
   The housekeeper should see her tasks of the day to be a challenge for her to tackle.  This way, she will feel accomplished when she is done.  "System, economy, and neatness, are valuable" (251) for the well-being of the household.  The article also states that that she must "refrain from angry tones" (251).  Yelling may result in the outcome the housekeeper wants but it is not necessary; a calm tone will suffice.  A woman must listen to her husband and the other needs of the family and respond appropriately to fit them.
   I think that Beecher definitely has the right idea when she writes that the housekeeper should have a good temper.  I do not think that her writing reaches all women on the social hierarchy.  She represents a middle-class woman.  The upper-class would have maids so the women would not necessarily be the "housekeeper" she describes.  Women of a lower class would probably have more trouble being good tempered if they are always worried about getting the next meal on the table for their kids and keeping everyone in good health.  Generally speaking, I think Beecher has good ideas, but in modern times this article would have a completely different meaning and response from readers.