Throughout Scudery's piece "Of Conversation" I was thinking about the negative connotation gossip has, yet it enabled these women to find a place to discuss in a cultural forum. The transition from private to public spheres of rhetoric for women came from religious participation, and now social interaction and gossip. Although this type of conversation is considered "lesser" I wonder if it is perhaps because of the content, or because of who is performing the act?
Typically we think of women as being more prone to gossip, but if it is the only way to engage in conversation it is not by nature weaker, it is only seen that way because of the social connotation that gets put on it. There is a great level of creativity in being able to talk about seemingly meaningless topics, while the act itself is showcasing the independence of women. Scudery states, "I conceive that nothing is forbidden; that it out to be free and diversified, according to the times, places and persons with whom we are, and the Secret is of Speaking always nobly of mean things, very plainly of high things; and very gallantly of gallant things, without transport and affection" (772). Gossip is known for being "scandalous" because people are talking without censorship or restraint, as Scudery calls for. If it was not for talking about these "inappropriate subjects" women would lack a place in rhetoric. Essentially talking about unwanted pregnancies is a cultural critique of the values placed on society. Gossip represents the persuasive nature of everyday speak, placing it entirely within the realm of rhetoric, and as Scudery states it is dictated by the times, kairos, that it is being spoken in. Besides being "small-minded" is establishes ethos by stating what ethical principles are being judged for gossip in the first place.
Although the nature of gossip has shifted dramatically since its origination in the "salon" sense, I believe it holds value in how we think about women integrating into these public spaces of rhetoric.
I think it was left out that gossip is not always a bad thing. While it certainly has that connotation, I'm sure gossip has had many great moments of importance. Before the printing press it would have been the only way for information to pass, and gossip could help prevent someone bad from taking office. Suppose someone saw a politician that was campaigning on moral values coming out of a brothel, or buying drugs, or similar--without gossip no one would ever know and a hypocrite could take office where they'd be thrown out if people heard.
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