medical muse
Mike Wright
English 2367
29 January 2014 Medical Muse Hysteria has been an available diagnosis of female mental and physical health since the fifth century. Hippocrates is known to have fathered the phrase in reference to “the wandering womb.” An innately feminine issue, translated from the Greek “hysterika” meaning “uterus.” (Gilman 3, 4) History provides nominal modifications to the array of symptoms, yet culture has frequently rebranded this convoluted condition.
The Victorian era was categorically repressive for women. Societal roles were negligible and ideals exploited a perceived benefit of the intrinsically subordinate female. A selection from “Victorian Women Expected to be Idle and Ignorant.” by British Diplomat, Charles Petrie outlines this attitude. Innocence was what he demanded from the girls of his class, and they must not only be innocent but also give the outward impression of being innocent. White muslin, typical of virginal purity, clothes many a heroine, with delicate shades of blue and pink next in popularity. The stamp of masculine approval was placed upon ignorance of the world, meekness, lack of opinions, general helplessness and weakness; in short, recognition of female inferiority to the male. (Swisher 8, 178) Bender 2 On the other side of this rigidly subjectifying mindset stood a well-known Philosopher of this time, John Stuart Mill. He argued in his publication “The Subjection of Women”:
“Thus far, the benefits which it has appeared that the world would gain by ceasing to make sex a disqualification for privileges and a badge of subjection, are social rather than individual; consisting in an
English 2367
29 January 2014 Medical Muse Hysteria has been an available diagnosis of female mental and physical health since the fifth century. Hippocrates is known to have fathered the phrase in reference to “the wandering womb.” An innately feminine issue, translated from the Greek “hysterika” meaning “uterus.” (Gilman 3, 4) History provides nominal modifications to the array of symptoms, yet culture has frequently rebranded this convoluted condition.
The Victorian era was categorically repressive for women. Societal roles were negligible and ideals exploited a perceived benefit of the intrinsically subordinate female. A selection from “Victorian Women Expected to be Idle and Ignorant.” by British Diplomat, Charles Petrie outlines this attitude. Innocence was what he demanded from the girls of his class, and they must not only be innocent but also give the outward impression of being innocent. White muslin, typical of virginal purity, clothes many a heroine, with delicate shades of blue and pink next in popularity. The stamp of masculine approval was placed upon ignorance of the world, meekness, lack of opinions, general helplessness and weakness; in short, recognition of female inferiority to the male. (Swisher 8, 178) Bender 2 On the other side of this rigidly subjectifying mindset stood a well-known Philosopher of this time, John Stuart Mill. He argued in his publication “The Subjection of Women”:
“Thus far, the benefits which it has appeared that the world would gain by ceasing to make sex a disqualification for privileges and a badge of subjection, are social rather than individual; consisting in an