Book 5, Book 5 : Chapter 2, Sophy Cont. Summary and Analysis

Here, the author has switched back from a more generalized discourse into the use of a theoretical model. Having espoused the proper behavior of married women, which includes staving off excessive temptations whether in the form of other men or some other vice, he has turned back to the education of the maiden. Sophy is a good daughter long before she has grown into Emile's ideal wife.

Sophy is good with her hands and skillful. As a daughter she is encouraged to cultivate those talents and attitudes that will lend themselves to being a high quality mother later on. In many cases this happens with dolls, but it is also found in being the mother's assistant. Rousseau has begun listing the various skills she learns. He harbors some wish that she learn only...