Eunice and Polly both faced a lot of challenges in their lives. How were their struggles similar, and how were they different?
Both women were judged immediately in life, Polly on her gender/reputation/career and Eunice on her race/gender. However, Polly had little support from her family as a child, ultimately becoming a victim of violence and being forced to chose a career that was not respected, but did pay the bills. After that, it was her own grit and determination that got her through. Eunice had every opportunity possible for a young black woman and her family supported her decisions. That self-esteem boost and solid foundation of education and knowing her family has her back can be a huge advantage.
Both Eunice and Polly faced discrimination and societal views on who they were and what value if any they held. The challenges and prejudice they faced were similar but also vastly different. Eunice faced bigotry regarding her race but also the fact that she was a woman. Polly was looked on, as well as her girls she tried so hard to protect as dirty and without morals. Polly was thrown into a world she didn’t understand or could even navigate at such a young age. She tried to survive as best she could but the fates were set against her. She suffered brutality and then thrown out onto the street to either live or die. She chose to live in the only way she could. Both were trying to navigate thru their difficulties.
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They both were trying to change their circumstances. Polly was trying overcome her lack of education and opportunity. Eunice was trying to show that a black woman can be an incredible lawyer, wife, and mother. Both had to fight the societal norms of the time.
Their struggles were similar because being a woman during that time period was extremely rough. There were laws and limitations that made it almost impossible not to have to depend on a man. They did face different struggles as well, Eunice faced racism, however she had endless support, and Polly was an immigrant who was thrown out into the world with no support.