Why is education important in Beka Lamb?

Answer 1

Education is presented as the only viable way for a woman to gain some measure of independence in every sense of the word.  It will ensure that she will not be confined or restricted to the traditional roles of women as home-maker and child-rearer and not be consigned merely to "the washing bowl underneath the house bottom".  Education is portrayed as the only avenue by which women may gain equity in their social context.  National Vellor is but another consequence of women's lack of access to education.  Toycie's fate is the result of the derailment of her education due to women's particular vulnerablity.  Vulnerabilty demands greater responsibility.