Het zelfloos zelfbeeld van Josephine Sazerac de Limagne

Samenvatting

The subject of this essay is the self-image of a young Parisian woman, Josephine 
Sazerac de Limagne (1849-1873). Her diary, notes, and correspondence were 
published a year after her premature death due to tuberculosis. Central will be 
an analysis of her concept of God and the meaning of both religion and societal 
gender norms in her idea of self. De Limagnes writings form an interesting 
case study. Her highly reflective notes give an insight in her struggle to live up 
to these societal and internalized expectations. Her notes testify of her wish to 
be able to surrender her ‘self’ completely to God. This wish displays an ideal 
that corresponds neatly with the dominant morality of female subservience. 
This essay sheds light on the contradictory character of this morality and de 
Limagnes’ conformity through analysing her self-image. This essay also reflects 
on how its analysis exposes de Limagne to societal norms as well.