Mother and sister of Woburn

After the father had lost the family's property to unsuccessful business, he died, unable to correct his mistakes. His wife and daughter became bitter. Therefore, to handle the consequential troubles, they “throw over the amenities”¹ of life. Unhappy and dissatisfied with their situation, both mother and daughter do not know any better than fighting their “mean conditions meanly.”² They seem to identify themselves through their suffering. Maybe it is a way for them to get some kind of validation and consolation.