An Evaluation Of Orson Fowlers Phrenological Reading (Essay Sample)
The poem is important because it helps us understand and appreciate the world around us. Poetry's strength lies in its ability to shed a “sideways” light on the world, so the truth sneaks up on you. In this case, reality sneaks up on the poet in the form of a harmless mistake. In many ways the poem is inspiring, just like the poet at the end of a sober reflection, we should be grateful for the life we have.
AN EVALUATION OF ORSON FOWLERS PHRENOLOGICAL READING
The primary source of this text was written at a time when the lines between fate and science were not clearly defined. Written by Orson Fowler, a professional phrenologist for a woman named Clara Bass who lived in Bloomington, Illinois in 1812. The text was a result of a phrenological examination (phrenology being a pseudoscience that uses the measurement of bumps on the skull to predict mental traits) carried out by Fowler on Clara Bass evaluating her physical, emotional and psychological health. The handwritten note of Orson Fowler demonstrates that popular science of the age of fate, individual and universal was an instrument used in the nineteenth century to justify gender, social and cultural biases. In his assessment, he indirectly promotes gender superiority, cultural myths and social inequality.
The nineteenth century was known for its tolerance towards patriarchy, hence a phrenological evaluation that is hinged on obscure science yet influenced by popular opinion. The entire text centers on how the lady is supposed to treat other individuals around her, especially her husband. Fowler's examination presents her mental traits as being very good because they would be suitable for making her husband happy and raising children. He even ties her happiness to her ability to keep a love for life, madam there is one condition absolute and paramount for the manifestation of your excellencies and it is a right state of love (14) which I find rather odd and a way of confining a woman to a gender role by making her comfortable in that role with supposed scientific facts. The writer is also condescending to the female gender in his analysis of the lady. You have fewer faults than the generality of your sex (14). In the nineteenth century, women were seen by society as the weaker sex hence it is understandable that Fowler would generalize the female gender in such a manner without intending to be condescending. The theme of popular science accommodates using one individual to make general assertions. Fowler's evaluations would be considered offensive today however in the age of fate the superiority of the male gender was considered the norm.
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