In her work "Dear Life," Alice Munro explores the complexities of societal norms related to women's roles in earlier times. She highlights the challenge of retroactively defining what was acceptable or unacceptable behavior for women. The term "feminism" was not even commonly recognized, yet the understanding of women’s ambitions or intellectual pursuits during that period automatically came with risks. Even simple acts of self-expression could lead to serious repercussions for a woman and her family, illustrating how restrictions were deeply woven into the fabric of society.

Munro captures the tension of navigating personal desires against societal expectations, where aspirations could be viewed as transgressions. The idea that a woman's opinions or interests could have dire consequences for her family's social standing underscores the oppressive environment women faced. Through her writing, Munro sheds light on the struggles and constraints that shaped women's lives, ultimately emphasizing the importance of understanding historical context in discussing women's rights and feminism.