Character Commentary:
As I was looking through old photos this morning I came across this photo of Lady Watergate. Picking up the photo I couldn't help but feel a rush of emotions.
Initially, I thought of the time when I first started the photography shop. This photograph was the first one that really stuck with me and made an impact in my life, for not only was it my most exceptional piece at the time but for its role in leading me to the love of my life Lord Watergate. I will never be able to get the face he gave me the moment he finally seemed to notice my presence in the room, the look that formed a picture and imprinted itself on my consciousness. A face that I could not, for some reason, get out of my head for days to come.
Upon remembering my first encounter with Lord Watergate I can't help but reminisce on all the moments we had together. I thought of my refusal of his initial confession when I felt as though I could not accept his love because I was scared of the happiness I knew he could give me. All because I was scared to have it all taken away in one fatal swoop.
For that, I am glad he came back and gave it another try, and that I gave myself another try at happiness. I am glad that I was able to grow, from the person I once was when I first took this photo, to the person I now am as Lady Watergate, and I will forever keep this photo as a reminder of who I was, what I went through, and who I am now.
Editor Commentary:
During the 1800s it was common to take photos of the dead, rather it was comforting. This was a period where photographs were expensive, so many did not have photos of themselves while they were alive. These post-death photos served as a way to remember deceased loved ones, and Gertrude’s initial reaction to the job request reveals just how little experience and knowledge Gertrude truly had about her field of work before starting her business.
However, the inclusion of the photo also shows how monumental Gertrude’s initial meeting with Mr.Watergate was, and how important that relationship came to be. But It also works to remind Gertrude of what she was willing to sacrifice for her sisters. It shows how she represents the ideal modern woman by being selfless and willingly forfeiting her happiness and her dreams for a future with lord Watergate.
Gertrude’s description of the photo tells us that while the photo does represent all these hurtful pasts, she has been able to grow as an individual, illustrated by her writing down how she was able to accept Lord Watergate’s love, and how she is glad she did just that once she was all settled.
However, this change in mentality and Gertrude’s initial rejection help to shape Gertrude’s personality and beliefs. Most women during this period aim to marry and then raise a family. Gertrude on the other hand has been the epitome of a Modern Woman, someone driven, independent, and goal-driven, placing work before her personal affairs. However, that does not mean that Gertrude did not want a family, or to be married. Her late acceptance of love and happiness could be described as how women during the 20th or 21st century would behave, settling down once her own goals and aspirations have been achieved.
Citation:
Dalcher, Christina. “The Unsettling Victorian Tradition of Photographing the Dead.” Medium, History of Yesterday, 14 Aug. 2020, medium.com/history-of-yesterday/the-unsettling-victorian-tradition-of-photographing-the-dead-a89adc507aac.