Down from the pedestal : Kate Chase, a subtle feminist

Abstract

The purpose of this thesis is to demonstrate exactly how Kate Chase manifested feminist characteristics. She is compared with what was expected of women in mid-nineteenth century America and with the ladies who were a part of the woman's rights movement. It is the contention of this thesis that while Kate may have looked and acted the perfect lady at first glance, her motives and desires were far removed from the mold of the Victorian woman. Indeed, her political machinations and unsuccessful attempts to help her father, Salmon P. Chase, become President of the United States could almost be labeled "masculine."

Chapter One sets the stage for Kate Chase. It is a discussion of women in nineteenth century America. It opens with an explanation of what women were expected to be and do according to pre- and early Victorian rules. It then moves on to the development of the woman's rights movement up to the Civil War era. Finally, there is an examination of the role of women in the Civil War. Chapter Two delineates Kat's life from birth to 1865, when her father became Chief Justice. In Chapter Three, Kate's role in her father's campaigning, which is introduced in the second chapter, comes to the forefront with the election of 1868. Her influence over Roscoe Conkling as well as the disastrous scandal which spelled an end to her marriage are also discussed. Finally, Chapter Four ties the first three chapters together. The theme of the image Kate projected and the reality of her true character, which has been woven throughout the thesis, is emphasized here. This final chapter, which brings Kate to the end of her life, demonstrates where she deviated from her society's idea of femininity. It also points out Kate's differences and similarities with active feminists. The thesis concludes with its premise that Kat Chase, despite her outward appearance, was, in her own unique manner, a feminist.