Belles and Poets

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Exploring the diaries of eight Southern women during the Civil War, Julia Nitz reveals how literary allusions shaped their understanding of a tumultuous world. By referencing works like those of Shakespeare and British Romantic poets, these women navigated personal and societal crises, using literature as a lens to examine issues of slavery, Confederate politics, gender roles, and identity. Nitz challenges previous interpretations that dismissed these references as mere embellishments, highlighting their significance in the diarists' reflections on their experiences and societal roles.