Woman As She Should Be; Or, Agnes Wiltshire

"Woman As She Should Be; Or, Agnes Wiltshire" by Mary E. Herbert is a novel written in the mid-19th century. The story centers around Agnes Wiltshire, a young woman grappling with her identity and purpose as she navigates the societal expectations of her time. The novel delves into themes of duty, faith, and personal transformation, as Agnes faces the challenges of a burgeoning sense of spirituality that sets her apart from her materialistic and superficial surroundings. The opening of the novel introduces Agnes as she reflects on her life while gazing at a neglected garden. Her internal struggle is soon interrupted by a visit from Mrs. Gordon, who expresses concern for her well-being. Agnes shares her deep emotional turbulence, catalyzed by the recent death of a close friend, which has forced her to reevaluate her life choices. The narrative reveals her feelings of guilt about her previous existential comfort and the societal pressures she encounters, as well as her desire to devote herself to a more meaningful and devout life, highlighting the tension between her yearning for a deeper connection with spirituality and the pull of her fashionable social context.