The Body

This theme is chiefly used to illustrate how women are often not trusted when it comes to understanding their own bodies. While the girls at the Trilling Heart School are asked their opinions about their mysterious illness, none of the adults really listen to their responses, except perhaps Sophia. The three men—Samuel, David, and Dr. Hawkins—believe that they know best how the illness should be treated, even when Hawkins' recommended treatment goes forward and all of the girls respond to it with emotional distress and continued symptoms. First the girls' bodies are attacked by illness, then they are attacked again by Dr. Hawkins' “hysterical paroxysm” (191).

This theme begins to reach a pinnacle when the red spot appears in Eliza's eye, and Sophia is the only person present that suggests seeking medical attention. Eliza becomes upset, and Samuel insists that she is making her...