Post #13 Form A

“The Empress had been married at fourteen, and now, at twenty-two, her stomach was still flat, while in the other palace, a succession of concubines and slaves brought imperial children into the world. Infertility is a major crime committed toward the ancestors, and any man whose wife is sterile is free to repudiate her. Many former Empresses had lost their titles on these grounds, and the Empress Want was well aware of the danger that threatened her.” (102) In America women are not looked down upon just because they can’t have children. In fact, since decent birth control was available to women, many choose not to have any children. Also, in America a husband can’t repudiate his wife just because she is sterile. A husband can’t repudiate his wife at all. There is only divorce, not renouncement married couples who no longer wish to be married. This is a big culture shock and shows just how little worth a women was given in ancient China. Especially a sterile one.