Emily Shore's Journal Analysis

The 19th Century feelings surrounding the proper course of action at the onset of puberty in females reveals the lack of consideration being made for the social and mental health of women. For example, French doctor Marc Colombat suggests that pubescent girls be removed from school so that they may be under the constant watch and care of their mothers. Furthermore, he notes that preventing them from attending theatre performances and reading certain books would be helpful as girls reach puberty. This advice, while likely well-intentioned, appears to help support the opposition to women obtaining higher levels, which would increase their mental capacity and judgment. Likewise, the forceful removal of girls from their schools at the start of puberty likely inhibited their social development among peers. However, the idea that mothers and their daughters should have an open and truthful dialogue surrounding the facts of puberty and menstruation, as …show more content…
Her journal begins optimistic about her potential for recovery, which illustrates that she felt her affliction was something other than consumption. However, the final entries show her acceptance of her impending death as the time’s medicine was unable to effectively treat her disease. In one of her middle entries, she attributes at least part of her health to her intense study of the Bible and various educational subjects. Her regret of having strained her mind so much exhibits the the Victorian connection between the mind and body, which created false notions regarding health. Furthermore, the association Shore made with her studies and her tuberculosis likely led her to abstain from reading or learning, even if for pleasure. As a result, her morale would have been lowered a great deal and would have profoundly affected her mental state, especially near the end of her