  
|
“…Annabelle and I did a very wild thing tonight..."
Emily and Ellen Hall did not do any paid work. I have found no evidence that they, or any of their relatives, ever conceived that it would be necessary, or right, for them to do so. This was typical of the period. Middle-class women were defined by their “leisured” existence and by their dependence on the male members of their family to support them. However, the Hall sisters did not seem to have much trouble finding things to do. As with many other women of the 1830’s and 40’s they dabbled in philanthropy and spent a great deal of time visiting friends and relatives. Although Emily and Ellen were not formally educated outside of the home, they were keen to find out about many things that interested them and many of their hobbies were centred upon self-education and improvement, as well as enjoyment. For example, in Jersey they regularly attended local lectures. They were also very keen readers, and at one point set up a book club. In addition, a large part of their time was taken up writing their diaries!
|
