"The Widow's Might,” like many of Charlotte Perkins Gilman’s writings, fits neatly into the genre of feminist literature. Writing in this genre explores the social and political limitations that have challenged women throughout history and reflects on how these issues shape their experiences. Gilman—although not nearly as egalitarian in many of her attitudes—is renowned for her contributions to the genre. Her writing consistently addresses the complicated dynamics of gender inequality and advocates for the intellectual and economic freedom of women. One of her most famous short stories, "The Yellow Wall-Paper," is regularly taught in university gender studies and literature classes because of its attention to the medical and professional oppression of women. In this story and in “The Widow’s Might,” Gilman’s narratives feature protagonists who push against the boundaries imposed by society and act in ways that surprise or disturb those around them.
In "The Widow's Might," Gilman uses the character of the widow Mrs. McPherson to critique the expectation that a woman’s independence and usefulness end when her husband dies. By depicting Mrs. McPherson as a woman who flatly defies these roles and chooses self-determination, Gilman is advocating for women to have the agency to control their own lives. The widow’s act of defiance challenges the patriarchal structures that have confined her for her entire life. It redefines her as a figure with agency and autonomy. Rather than becoming a tiresome burden, Mrs. McPherson rejects the help her children offer and makes her own way.
