American Literature to 1865 - Themes found in "Some Account of the Fore Part of the Life of Elizabeth Ashbridge".

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American Literature to 1865

Themes found in “Some Account of the Fore Part of the Life of Elizabeth Ashbridge”

        In Elizabeth Ashbridge’s narrative titled “Some Account of the Fore Part of the Life of Elizabeth Ashbridge”, she tells the story of the trials and accomplishments that she endured during her time in Pennsylvania and New Jersey as both a wife and a Quaker minister during the Eighteenth Century. In her autobiography, Ashbridge, who immigrated to colonial America from Ireland, was in search of spiritual enlightment and answers to her religious questions that she found only the Friends in Pennsylvania could provide. The themes that I found to exist within Ashbridge’s work include both her quest for spiritual conversion and the marital struggle she went through for being married to a man who would not accept his wife’s newfound beliefs and lifestyle.

        In the beginning of her narrative, Ashbridge has just begun her journey that lead to her relative’s house in Pennsylvania. While in Trenton, she was informed that her Relations were Quakers, which caused her to have second thoughts about her arrival, and contemplate turning back. After thinking things over for a moment, she decided that “God brings unforeseen things to Pass,” and continued on until she reached her destination. (654). Shortly after meeting with her Aunt, she began to read over the Quakers’ book, and immediately stated “my heart burned within me and Tears Issued from my Eyes.” (654). The words she saw her just too touching for her to handle. She later attended one Meeting, and decided that Quakers were people she felt she “must join.” (655). Putting all of her past and false knowledge regarding the Quakers aside, she realized how powerful the congregation and their teachings were, and felt “forced to give up and Confess it was the truth.” (655). Ashbridge was finally experiencing a spiritual enlightment, but felt she could not fully express her happiness publicly, in fear of what her husband and the surrounding community of non-Quakers would think of her. Feeling that she had denied the Lord by denying her beliefs, Ashbridge found life to be a “burden” due to her committing a “unpardonable Sin”, which caused her to loose hope, and leave town with her husband to find a place where there were no Quakers to further corrupt her. (657).

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        On their way to find a tavern to stay the night at, Ashbridge and her husband came across a man who relayed a message to them stating that there were two schoolhouses looking for a new Master, and her husband was the best candidate for the position. Her husband took the man’s directions, and they continued on their way. The next house they lodged at happened to be the home of Friends, who treated the couple with kindness and respect. The woman managed to convince Ashbridge’s husband to let her attend a Meeting, and she was ever so grateful, ...

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