A Woman Ahead of Her Time “The Land of the Free, the Home of the Brave”; these are the words that since 1814 have been used to describe the spirit of the country that we call America. For many, this country symbolizes a history of just that; bravery and freedom. But what does it mean to be an American? Does it simply mean that a person is born in to the country, or does it mean that they empower the character traits used to describe the country itself? When describing America and what it is to be or behave as an American, there are many traits that are often used such as brave, hardworking, strong, having the ability to overcome obstacles, a belief in equality and freedom for all, being a groundbreaker, and having a strong, direct
Therese, when advised that Hosmer, whom she had now become fond of, was divorced from his wife and not that she had died as believed, she was extremely upset. When he came to speak with her about it, she let him know exactly how she felt. Although Therese had feelings for Hosmer, she did not believe in divorce. She let him know exactly what was on her mind, her pride and her beliefs would not allow her to do otherwise. By letting this man that she had begun to have feelings for, know that she felt that what he did by leaving his wife, Therese imposes her morals and beliefs onto him and advises him that he should do what is right. Many people feel that the desire to help others is one of the character traits that make up the American spirit. This desire to help others is definitely a trait that Therese embodies. “Therese was a warm-hearted woman, and a woman of clear mental vision; a combination not found so often together as to make it ordinary.” (Chopin) She cared for the people that worked on her plantation and treated them as if they were family. She often sacrificed her worries of her own troubles to tend to the worries of others. When the mill is burned down, instead of worrying about what she has to do to rebuild, she instead asks others what help they require from her. When Gregoire is killed, she is the first person to know and must inform