by Robert Nordmeyer
The following text is from a historical fiction novel about Elizabeth Blackwell, who became the first woman in the United States to graduate with a medical degree in 1849.
(1)“I’m back,” Emily called when entering the waiting room.
(2)“Finished so soon?”
(3)“Yes, I have enough material for my needs so I thought I’d stop by here to see if you needed any help.” The young medical student had spent the day at the library doing research for her thesis.1 She was staying at the house with Elizabeth.
(4)“Ah, excellent, I can always use your help. I’m pleased you came early.”
(5)Emily gave a quick glance around the room. Three patients filled the small space. “Looks like a reasonable afternoon,” she said.
(6)“Normal caseload,” Elizabeth said lowering her voice.
(7)“All nonpaying I assume.”
(8)Elizabeth shrugged. “I don’t ask. If they can pay they will. But generally not.”
(9)Emily looked at the list of patients to be seen. There was nothing too serious; conditions she could handle herself. But she was only there to assist. Being that she was only a medical student at Western Reserve University in Cleveland, she could not attend to anyone medically. However her help was of value to both sisters.
(10)“I received a letter from Mother yesterday,” Emily said.
(11)“Oh, what did she have to say?”
(12)“She’s concerned for your safety.”
(13)“My safety? What on earth for?”
(14)“The mean-spirited and vulgar letters and comments you got when you first started your practice.”
(15)‘‘They were harmless,” Elizabeth insisted. “I paid them no mind.”
(16)‘‘Is all of that over with now?”
(17)“Well,” Elizabeth answered pausing. ‘‘Not really. Just today I received another rather nasty post; crude and quite insulting. I still don’t understand what those in high positions find so objectionable about a woman practicing medicine.”
(18)Emily drew back and gave a short laugh. “Don’t understand? Elizabeth, those letters told you why they objected to you being in medicine.”
(19)‘‘But those are just idle insults, no reasoning; no logic behind them. Calling me a woman of questionable morals are simply flagrant2 attempts at intimidation.”3
(20)‘‘So it’s continuing then? And are you hearing any more lies from the physicians about you being incompetent and untrained and practicing medicine illegally? You know, it’s a shame that people listen to those men and believe them.”
(21)“No, I haven’t heard any further comments. But it doesn’t matter if people believe those lies, the poor don’t, Emily, and that’s who we’re serving, which,” she said looking around the room, “I believe we best get back to doing.”
(22)Emily hesitated. “You remember don’t you, Elizabeth, that I must leave tomorrow to return to Cleveland. I’ll be graduating in January.”
(23)‘‘Yes, yes, I do remember and I do so much want to attend your graduation.”
(24)“Oh, you’ll have to make an extra effort. I won’t have much time after graduation since I’ll be sailing for England for my training soon afterwards.”
(25)“I will certainly try, Emily. But if for some reason I’m unable to attend I will definitely see you before you sail for England.” Elizabeth reached over and took a hand towel off a rack and began drying her hands. ‘‘You know, Emily,” she said turning to look at her sister, “as I see more and more women patients I realize that someday soon I will need to make some changes.”
(26)Emily’s eyes squinted. ‘‘Meaning . . . what? You’ll need help? Are you thinking that perhaps I should come here after graduation and train with you on the job?”
(27)“No, no, of course not. You can’t do that. You wouldn’t be licensed. No, what I’m saying is that I foresee the day when I will need to enlarge this little operation of mine into something bigger and by then you will have finished your training and may want to join me in this growing venture.”
(28)Emily drew back and turned to look away.
(29)“You have time to think about it,” Elizabeth added quickly.
(30)“No, I don’t have to think about it, Elizabeth. Of course I want to be a part of your vision. It’s just that . . .” she turned around to look at Elizabeth.
(31)“Yes, just what?”
(32)“It’s just that I’m afraid you may be pushing yourself too hard. There may never be an opportunity for a new . . .”
(33)“Don’t worry, Emily. I certainly have no plans of wearing myself out. I’m a practical person. I’m no fool. All of what I have worked for would be wasted if I became incapacitated4 and could no longer pursue my passion. You don’t have to worry. I’ll be here strong and able when you’ve finished your training.”
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1thesis: a lengthy document written as a requirement for a degree at a university
2flagrant: noticeably bad or offensive
3intimidation: the act of pressuring, threatening, or forcing someone to do something
4incapacitated: lacking in strength to the point of being unable to perform tasks
This question has two parts. First, answer Part A. Then, answer Part B.
Part A
In Passage 1, what motivates Elizabeth to continue practicing medicine despite receiving several threats?
Group of answer choices
She is dedicated to treating her patients.
She plans to expand her medical practice.
She is determined to prove her critics wrong.
She wants her sister to join her in the practice.
2 answers
Part A
In Passage 1, the motivation that drives Elizabeth to continue practicing medicine despite receiving several threats is:
She is dedicated to treating her patients.
This is evident in Elizabeth's statement, "the poor don’t, Emily, and that’s who we’re serving," which highlights her commitment to helping those in need, regardless of the negative attention she receives. While she may also have intentions to expand her practice, her primary concern is the welfare of her patients.
