Daughters Of Fortitude

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Daughter of Fortune by Isabel Allende is the story of a woman, Eliza Sommers, who in running away from home, and chasing love, discovers a new life along the way. In her travels Eliza meets many people who become prominent people in her life, molding her and shaping her as she meets them. Many of these figures are women like Eliza, and each plays a different role in Eliza's life. Miss Rose, a strong willed woman, raises Eliza as her own daughter, teaching her everything she knows as Eliza ages. Later in her journey, Eliza meets Joe Bonecrusher, who believes she is a man stuck in a woman's body. These three women are all dominant woman, who show that even in the 1800's women played a large role in society. Daughter of Fortune by Isabel Allende represents the independent women of mid-19th century America, making a life for themselves in a harsh environment where men are the dominating force.

Eliza Sommers, the main character, is a perfect example of a woman who does not let herself be limited by society's standards. Eliza is raised by Miss Rose and her brother Jeremy, left in their care by the two siblings' older brother, John. Even though Eliza is raised in a family where social class is everything, she is ready to take risks that could even bring shame upon her family. When she meets Joaquin Andieta, she instantly falls in love. She begins to sneak him into her house, so that they can share night after night together in one of the remote rooms of her family's estate. Not once does Eliza worry about her consequences, and the reputation she would give her family if she was ever caught. Soon after Eliza's lover leaves for California in search of gold, Eliza discovers that she is pregnant. Rather than sit and await his return as many women of this time would have, Eliza makes the decision to follow after him, and begins to search for passage to California. Without a word to her family, Eliza is snuck onto a ship that is set to sail, and departs in search of her lover. This is one of Eliza's many decisions that makes her the strong willed woman that she becomes in her journey.

When Eliza arrives in California, she immediately begins to make a life for herself.

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