This Day
Elizabeth Packard Is Not Insane (1864) w/ Therese O'Neill
Jan 14, 2025
In this engaging discussion, guest Therese O'Neill, author of "Unbecoming A Lady," dives into the harrowing tale of Elizabeth Packard. Wrongfully imprisoned for insanity by her husband, Packard's struggle reveals the dark side of Victorian gender roles and mental health injustices. O'Neill highlights Packard's transformation from a victim to a powerful advocate for women's rights, sparking legislative changes that protect the oppressed. The episode shines a light on the enduring legacy of Packard, whose story still resonates today.
22:51
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Quick takeaways
- Elizabeth Packard's trial not only spotlighted her wrongful commitment but also revealed the severe limitations on women's autonomy and rights under coverture laws.
- Following her release from the asylum, Packard became a dedicated activist, advocating for reforms in mental health laws and women's rights across the nation.
Deep dives
The Trial of Elizabeth Packard
In January 1864, Elizabeth Packard faced a trial in Kankakee, Illinois, that transcended her personal struggles, highlighting the societal treatment of women. She claimed her husband, Theophilus, imprisoned her due to her bold questioning of the Presbyterian faith, which he practiced and preached as a minister. The trial not only scrutinized her mental state but also brought witnesses who both condemned and supported her actions. The case underscored broader issues of a woman's autonomy during a time when her rights were largely governed by her husband's authority.
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