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.
