MLMM Sunday Writing Prompt — Reasons for Admission

Fandango

“This list is ridiculous, sir,” Henry said after picking up and reading the list of conditions that would result in a woman being institutionalized in a mental hospital. “This is nonsense. There’s no science behind most of the items on this list.”

“Henry,” Dr. Snodgrass, the local health minister said, “this list was created by the most respected religious and political leaders in our community. They put a lot of hard work into creating this list. You know that women are delicate creatures and they need our help to set them on the path to righteousness and salvation.”

“Sir,” Henry said, “we are no longer in the dark ages. It’s 1865. Our country is going through an industrial revolution and women are playing a greater, more important role in our modern society than ever before.”

“I know this is a highly sensitive matter, Henry, and we must employ finesse to come to the aid of these poor, misguided damsels,” Dr. Snodgrass said.

“Sir, have you looked at some of the items on this list?” Henry asked. “Do you really believe that jealousy, reading novels, engaging in politics, keeping bad company, or being deserted by one’s husband are legitimate reasons to incarcerate women in an asylum?”

“My dear Henry,” Dr. Snodgrass said as he removed his spectacles and wiped them vigorously with his handkerchief, “you need to either get on board with these protocols for the practice of modern medicine or find yourself out on the street. Women need to know their place in the world and as professional men, it’s our job to make sure we put them in their place before they turn our society its head.”

“But Dr. Snodgrass….”

“Enough, Henry,” Snodgrass interrupted, holding up his hand in front of Henry’s face. “I’m late for joining our peers at the tavern in town for the Octoberfest festival. So either you may either join me and our colleagues, or get out of my way.”

Henry let out a sigh of resignation. “Fine, Doctor, I’ll join you.”

Written for the Mindlovemisery’s Menagerie Sunday Writing Prompt. Also for these daily prompts: Word of the Day Challenge (science), The Daily Spur (work), Ragtag Daily Prompt (help), Fandango’s One-Word Challenge (finesse), MMA Storytime (festival)

18 thoughts on “MLMM Sunday Writing Prompt — Reasons for Admission”

  3. jilldennison April 25, 2021 / 11:28 pm

    So much for Henry and his conscience, eh? Well, let them bring it on, for we women have learned to swing a baseball bat, to aim low, and … need I say more?

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  8. ms pie April 28, 2021 / 8:20 am

    oh henry, disillusionment and weakness are not an excuse…. so disappointing…

    Liked by 1 person

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  9. leigha66 May 1, 2021 / 2:44 pm

    That is quite a list. I guess my fate is to be locked up because of asthma… crazy!

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