Myers, Madison, author2017-11-102017-11-102017https://hdl.handle.net/10217/184812This poster was presented at Colorado State University's 2017 Graduate Showcase.The woman’s psychotic break is typically perceived as the character’s downfall or final blow within an oppressive and marginalizing society. Perceptions of mental illness changed, however, as women of the late 19th and early 20th centuries began utilizing mental illness as a way to break free from the constraints of a limiting, patriarchal society. When something that would typically be seen as a struggle, is used as a form of empowerment, possibilities for marginalized voices become available. Thus, the shift from mental illness being a destructive downfall to a freeing form of empowerment created new space for marginalized female voices.born digitalStudent workspostersengCopyright and other restrictions may apply. User is responsible for compliance with all applicable laws. For information about copyright law, please see https://libguides.colostate.edu/copyright.mental illnesshysteria19th century literaturewomenText