In the letters between Abigail and John Adams, the reader gains a rare glimpse into the relationship of one of America's most prolific and progressive presidents. Their correspondence in these letters has implications that continually transcend the confines of their personal relationship. The letters provide a unique vantage point to examine the cultural norms established during this period, among which the most important are: women's rights, the political climate, and the constant struggles with the British Empire. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why violent video games should not be banned”? Get an original essay Women's rights, a subject little discussed between husband and wife back then (or even today for that matter), were largely part of the dialogue often shared between the two. This topic is particularly pervasive in their writings during the period surrounding the drafting and ratification of the Declaration of Independence. A letter written by Abigail on March 31, 1776 to John regarding the inclusion of women's rights in the document states: "Do not put such unlimited power in the hands of husbands. Remember, all men would be tyrants if they could. If special care and attention is not given to the laity, we are determined to foment rebellion and will not hold ourselves bound by laws in which we have neither voice nor representation. In this passage, she highlights several radical ideas that were almost exclusively banned as topics of conversation during this period. She makes these comments about the inevitable rebellion of women if their rights are denied and the tyrannical nature of men, with such casualness that one can only conclude that this brutal nature with which she speaks was commonplace in their speech. She goes on to further explain the notion that men are "naturally tyrannical" and uses this to further her argument for adequate representation under the Declaration. Even more surprising than the ease with which Abigail writes this passage is the response given by John Adams. He writes: “We have been told that our struggle has loosened the bonds of government everywhere. That the children and apprentices were disobedient, that the schools and colleges had become turbulent, that the Indians despised their guardians and that the negroes became insolent towards their masters. But your letter was the first indication that another tribe, more numerous and more powerful than all the others, had become discontented. -- That's a bit of a rude compliment, but you're so impertinent that I won't take it back. This passage begins by acknowledging the presence of unrest among marginalized populations following the abandonment of Crown power. This sentiment is soon followed by recognition of growing tensions within the largest marginalized group, women. Understanding this notion is very important when examining the political climate of the time. This not only shows that women want to break the bondage of a strongly patriarchal society, but also that a man in a position of power is willing to include this understanding in his personal and political affairs. This directly contradicted the established societal norm of the time, in which marriage was seen as a means of social advancement rather than a partnership based on understanding and equality. These relationships established as a means of social advancement often relied on the subjugation and relegation of women to supporting roles. The concrete way in which the two communicate during their writings.