Book Talk & Signing: Claire J. Griffin

Name: Book Talk & Signing: Claire J. Griffin
Start: 2024-11-16T15:00:00-04:00
Location: South Windsor Library

Schedule

Sat Nov 16 2024 at 03:00 pm

UTC-04:00

Location

South Windsor Library | South Windsor, CT

Join us for a discussion of "A Rebellious Woman" with local author Claire J. Griffin. At a time in American history when a woman’s only purpose was to be a well-behaved wife and mother, Belle Boyd stands out as a defiant female. Women of her day were kept in their place by strict etiquette rules that even dictated how they should eat bread at a dinner party. Layers of restrictive clothing along with easy access to opiates helped keep them passive and agreeable. Belle rejected rigid rules and roles, and insisted on making her own choices – sometimes with disastrous consequences. Still, no one can dispute the fact that Belle Boyd’s life was her own.
“1860s Etiquette Quiz”
True/False. Based on actual rules that appeared in advice books of the day.
1. A lady was not permitted to sit with her legs crossed at the ankles or knees.
2. A lady was permitted to have a glass of wine at a private dinner party.
3. A lady was permitted to self-medicate with opiates.
4. A lady was not permitted to laugh quietly in private conversation.
5. A lady was permitted to sing at a private party.
6. A lady was permitted to exclaim “Goodness gracious!” and “Mercy!” in private conversation.
7. A lady was permitted to be alone in a room with a gentleman for a few minutes, as long as he was a close family friend.
8. When out in public, a lady was not permitted to walk quickly, swing her arms, speak in a loud voice, or call to a friend on the other side of the street.
9. A lady traveling with a male companion was encouraged to give him her purse so he could pay any costs she incurred on her journey.
10. The following activities were permitted for ladies: sewing, knitting, embroidery, drawing, painting, playing a musical instrument, ballroom dancing, horseback riding.