The American feminist movement in the 1960s was a struggle for women's rights and freedom. It attempted to shatter the various traditional ideals that sustained the oppression of women and kept them in a subordinate position. Although the historical movement did not take shape until after the mid 20th century, the foundation for this struggle was evident long before. One place in which it is exhibited is in Mary Wilkins Freeman's 1891 progressive and controversial narrative "A New England Nun." Through the main character, Louisa Ellis, Freeman challenges customarily accepted stereotypes of womanhood. Although she portrays Louisa as a traditional late 19th century domesticated woman, she also shows how Louisa is able to assert an autonomous identity and achieve personal satisfaction. Evidence of Louisa asserting an individualistic identity is seen in her decision to remain single and responsible for only herself. Moreover, support of the main character's attainment of self-fulfillment is displayed in her interaction with her home, pet dog Caesar, and productive activities.
             Louisa's autonomy is evident in her decision to remain single. Although engaged to her fiancé, Joe Dagget, for fifteen years, she has spent fourteen of those years in total solitude while he was away making his fortune in Australia. As expected of her by mainstream society, Louisa waits patiently for Joe's return. While Joe is away, her mother and brother both dies, leaving her alone. As a result of these tragic loses, Louisa grows acclimate to solitude and even grows fond of it. Though she knows that Joe's return from his economic endeavor will result in marriage, for the second half of his fourteen years absence, Louisa had enjoyed peace and tranquillity: "Her life, especially for the last seven years, had been full of pleasant peace, she had never felt discontented nor impatient over her lover&apos...