study questions

1) In your own words, what was this reading about?

The reading was about two sisters of Notre Dame in France that came from different backgrounds. Billiart grew up in the lower class where she witnessed the struggles and hardships many of the villagers on their daily basis. It seemed like she was tired of seeing the inequality between the lower and higher class receiving better and more education. Biliart received more of a religious education  On the other hand, Bourdon grew up in an aristocratic family where she gained a lot more opportunities. Both of these women saw the hardships the lower class was going through and believed that there should be something done about it, regardless of the class they were in. Both these women came together and were able to make a change. 

2) Which woman did you find most interesting and why?

I thought Bourdon was the most interesting due to the fact that she came from an aristocratic family and was still unimpressed that a lot was given to her. She came down from a higher class and didn’t believe in the social standards.

3) Which could you relate to most closely and why?

I could probably relate to Biliart because I grew up in a lower class where I always had a job, classmates had better opportunities than me due to their higher class, and I witness the hardships of people in my community. 

4) Compare the educational backgrounds of the two women.

Biliart didn’t have much education as it deemed unnecessary but did have religious education. So she went back to finish her education. Bourdon came from a much higher class where she basically had everything and had explored major facets of her life. 

5) How would you describe Francoises’s attitude toward her own money and privilege?

Although she was wealthy and privileged, she didn’t really care about all that stuff. What she cared about was the equality among the social classes which is why she became a nun.

6) How would you describe Julie’s attitude toward her disability?

She was so annoyed and dreadful that she didn’t want any help because she was so used to being independent.

7) What opportunities existed for women at this time?

Religious vocations or being married to a wealthy man.

8) What lessons do the experiences of these women hold for us today?
The lessons are that no matter the social class and what others think of you, one can change to help their community find equality among others.