Why the Woman was Secret

According to Colette women think more like men than society lets on. However is it really women thinking more like men than it is women admitting to what they really think and feel? Women are given a standard by society that the short story The Secret Woman emphasizes and brings to existence.  When the husband asks his wife if she would like to attend the ball she acts offended in attempt to conserve her innocence when in reality she is planning on attending without telling him.  The fact that she feels she cannot reveal her true opinion offers insight that explains the secrecy that most women carry.

In many situations women feel inferior to men and don't know how to express it in fear of judgement.  Some women can express how they feel, however, as Benjamin points out men assert dominance.  Benjamin introduces the MEN/women binary that is often seen in society today.  Women are improving and expressing their feelings and thoughts progressively in society, however, not giving in to this stereotypical submission is an abnormal habit that many are discovering to be beneficial.

Walking in the halls one can assess the language used by boys as opposed to girls.  Women feel a boundary in which they feel uncomfortable to exceed due to social standards, however, as demonstrated by The Secret Woman adding the aspect of anonymity provides a sense of security in their actions no matter the acceptance socially.  I think that women feel uncomfortable expressing truly how they feel and think because of the reactions they fear receiving.  If men and women were placed in a room with voice disguisers and blindfolds they could express themselves honestly and you would not be able to distinguish gender because there would be no urge to uphold social regulations.