A Whisper in the Dark Prompt

While reading the second half of the text, my feelings toward Sybil changed. I began to feel sorry for her where before I questioned her integrity. However, I do have to admit, during the first half I was kind of like, "Right on sista. Sock it to em like they do us." I sort of appreciated her feminine powers. I understand that during the 19th century women may have used sensuous games to get what they wanted...some of us still do it now; though at times she was a bit over the top, '"Won't you say yes now, Uncle?" And pleased with the daring of the thing, I put my arm about his neck, kissed him daintly, and perched myself upon his knee with most audacious ease.'" (p. 218).

Also, during the first half of the reading, Sybil comes across as spoiled. She usually gets what she wants, without hesitation from others, "Please tell me, for I've had my own way all my life, and can't bear to be crossed." (p.218).

I was confused as to what was appropriate between the characters, for they were "relatives" and what was not. Our conversation in class about applying aspects of marriage into relationships among relatives completely through me off; but, I knew right away the relationship between Uncle and Sybil was not right.

Upon entering the insane asylum, I was completely thrown off guard. To think you can acctually make someone become insane is scary, "...Dr. Karnac was an unscrupulous ally, for love of gain was as strong as love of science; both were amply gratified, and I, poor victim, was given up to be experimented upon, till by subtle means I was driven to the insanity which would give my uncle full control of my fortune and my fate." (p.246).

We learned in class that the message of this narrative was to scare women into not having sex until they were married. I would think Alcott accomplished her mission. A rich, beautiful, 17 yr old girl ,with no parents, in the hands of a greedy man who claims to be her uncle and flirts with him to get her way; only to wind up in love with her "first cousin" and end up in an insane asylum...I'd be scared into celibacy to...probably even after marriage! If anyone disliked her before this, they certainly felt sorry for her afterwards. She was put through a tremendous ordeal all in the name of greed and obsession, "With trembling hands I dressed, stopping suddenly with a cry; for lifting my hands to my head, I discovered that my hair, my beautiful, abundant hair, was gone!" (p.237).

We learned that mothers, during the 19th century, had a major role in the lives of their children. Mothers taught their little girls all the essentials for becoming a lady. They were the most influential person in the child's life. Sybil, was lacking in this department. Not having a mother may have caused her unruley behavior. Telling her that flirting with a 45 yr old man, who is her uncle, is inappropriate would have had a significant impact on her character. But, surprisingly, Sybil's mother does come into the picture. Come to find out, the person making the noise in the upper room is her mother; really didn't surprise me. Somehow, merachoulously, they always show up....they meaning the people who are suppose to be out of the picture...SURPRISE! Sybil's mother gave her the strength to escape, "...yet hope to breathe a word into your sleepless ear that shall send you back into the world the happy thing you should be. Child! Woman! Whatever you are, leave this accursed house while you have power to do it." (p.244).