Woman As She Should Be Or, Agnes Wiltshire

Woman As She Should Be; Or, Agnes Wiltshire by Mary E. Herbert, written in the mid-19th century, follows the journey of Agnes Wiltshire, a young woman caught between the societal expectations of her time and a growing desire for personal and spiritual transformation. The novel explores themes of duty, faith, and the inner struggle for self-identity. Agnes begins the story in a moment of reflection, gazing at a neglected garden, symbolizing her own feelings of discontent. Her emotional turmoil is exacerbated by the recent death of a close friend, which leads her to question her materialistic and superficial life. The arrival of Mrs. Gordon, who expresses concern for Agnes' well-being, prompts her to share her deep internal conflict. As Agnes wrestles with guilt over her previous, comfortable existence, she feels a strong desire to embrace a life of greater spiritual devotion. The narrative highlights her conflict between the pull of fashionable society and her yearning for a more meaningful, faith-driven life. Throughout the story, Agnes' transformation becomes a journey of self-discovery, as she grapples with her feelings of guilt and the challenges of following a path of deeper spiritual connection in a world that values wealth and status.

Mary Eliza Herbert was a Canadian publisher and poet, born in 1829 in Halifax, Canada. She made a significant mark in the literary and publishing world when she became the first female newspaper publisher in Nova Scotia. In 1851, she published and managed The Mayflower, or Ladies' Acadian Newspaper, a notable achievement that highlighted her entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to women's issues. As a poet, Herbert's works often reflected her interest in social matters and her role in advocating for women's rights and voices in the public sphere. Throughout her life, she was an influential figure in her community, combining her literary talents with her pioneering efforts in publishing. Unfortunately, her life was cut short when she passed away on July 15, 1872, at the age of 43, in her hometown of Halifax. Despite her early death, Mary Eliza Herbert's contributions to Canadian literature and journalism remain a testament to her groundbreaking work and her role in advancing women's participation in the public and literary worlds.