Despite the terrible loss of her parents and younger sister. Edith acknowledges the fact that her illness has “freed” her. Do you agree with her thoughts?
The usual family pressures no longer existed once these people died. Edith wasn’t consumed with societal expectations such as marrying into an appropriate family, etc. In this sense she was free of the social norms; however, there was sadness to her life, too. Given her brother was gay, he allowed her to flourish in spite of that nasty cousin.
she never states “freed” in what way - free to express her art, which was unusual for a woman, freed from expectations of her parent, freed from living up to societal norm of the day. Freed to help othe other women. it’s an interesting thought
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I do agree with her. The deafness would be perceived as a deterrent to prospective suitors, thus freeing her to be independent and pursue her photography and solo activities. It allowed her to pursue her heart without societal pressures to wed.
I do think it “freed” her from the societal expectation of marrying and raising a family. I did like the symbolism of her being deaf meaning she could not hear the criticism and comments of others. In one way it protected her.
I agree with you, Nan.