Zoila M. Brown
Presenting Vocabulary for "Elizabeth Blackwell" Poem
Until the 1800s women did not have the same rights as men. Women could not vote. They could not sue in court. Also, they were not allowed to enter professions such as law and medicine. Clearly, or indubitably, men were in control. Only men could get a degree from the study of the human body - also known as anatomy. When one woman decided to enter medical school, her friends suggested she disguise herself by dressing like a man. This sinister action, or evil plan, would be troublesome to the men in the medical profession. Since she wants to act like a man, she would be called a hoyden.
This woman would soon need a sanctuary. This place of protection would help her escape harsh treatment from both men and women. Other women would try to avoid her as if she will contaminate them. If they get contaminated they would need to be fumigated to cleanse them from her harmful germs.