University of Wisconsin Superior - Gitche Gumee Yearbook (Superior, WI)

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.1 1 08 THE FIRST GITCHE PUBLISHED AS AN ANIMAL AT STC igflLlO1 JTm dan hill library University of Wisconsin superior SUPERIOR, WISCONSIN 54880

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SX TB'RIOF . A TYPE OF TRUE WOMANLY GREATNESS JENNIE HOGAN ROXIMITY distorts vision. Standing at the foot of a great monument, one cannot appreciate its magnificent height. Great men, great events, great epochs, grow as we recede from them; and the rate at which they grow in the estimation of men is in some sort a measure of their greatness. Perhaps we can find in all history no more remarkable example of this truth than that exemplified in the life of the Shepherdess Girl of Lorraine. Though volumes have been written about heroes and hero-worship, brief has been the space allotted to the truly great among women. Until the present century society has been too busy developing man to give woman her due attention. But now, “the woman’s soul is rising.” In this her century, would it not be well for us to consider the world’s heroines and to choose one to be the type of our twentieth century ideal? And her characteristics, what shall they be? First will be chastity, the mother virtue of womankind; then wisdom, tempered with love and truth; and self-restraint, coupled with fortitude. These arc the arch virtues, drawn from Plato’s Republic. History reveals many women noted for either self-sacrifice, purity of character, or for the accomplishment of a noble purpose in face of terrific opposition. But where may we find one in whom are combined all these characteristics? VVe arc dazzled by the beauty of the sacrifice of Jephthah’s daughter; startled by the magnificence of Esther; and we pause to gaze with enthusiasm at the character of Judith. To Judith, of all Bible characters, apochryphal or authorized, must be accorded the title of great—a woman of beauty so rare that Holofcrnes said, “Who can despise the people of the Hebrews who have such beautiful women?” We see Judith praying for the salvation of her people; see her, impelled by the voice of her Jehovah, penetrating the ranks of the Assyrians and by artifice ingratiating herself; see her then standing before her redeemed people, in her hand the head of the slain Holofcrnes. Heroic self-sacrifice, unbounded fortitude, arc Judith’s titles to the epithet of great. But with true greatness must always be associated truth and chastity. Judith achieved her purpose through deceit and the sacrifice of her virtue. Cleopatra, the magnificent-minded, lived a wicked life; Christina of Sweden for her conscience’ sake resigned a crown, but she scandalized all Europe by her eccentricities; Marie Theresa, “the Mother Queen of Germany,” won all hearts by her beautiful motherhood, but she regretted her duties as empress. Her patriotism was ever over-shadowed by a desire for mere family aggrandizement. The “Virgin Queen” of England, the sagacious, vigilant Elizabeth, detesting war; developing the natural resources of her kingdom; establishing manufactories; PAGE THREE £775' GIT CIIE GUM EE