Ten Days In A Mad-House

Content Warning: This section discusses violence and abusive behavior toward, and mistreatment of, women and people with disabilities and mental health conditions.

“I am happy to be able to state as a result of my visit to the asylum and the exposures consequent thereon, that the City of New York has appropriated $1,000,000 more per annum than ever before for the care of the insane. So I have at least the satisfaction of knowing that the poor unfortunates will be the better cared for because of my work.”

Bly emphasizes the tangible impact of her investigative journalism, introducing The Power of the Written Word to Effect Social Change. By revealing the hidden suffering of people with mental health conditions, Bly’s work compelled systemic change, illustrating the power of journalism to hold institutions accountable. Her satisfaction in improving conditions highlights the journalist’s potential to advocate for vulnerable populations and drive meaningful reform.

“Could I pass a week in the insane ward at Blackwell’s Island? I said I could and I would. And I did.”

Bly uses hypophora, posing a question and immediately answering it, to establish a confident, no-nonsense tone. By revealing upfront that she successfully completed her mission, Bly increases her credibility, signaling to readers that she has nothing to hide and is not using suspense as a narrative trick. Her straightforward, matter-of-fact style reinforces the authenticity of her account, fostering trust and emphasizing the gravity of the experience she’s about to share.

“The weather was not cold; but, nevertheless, when I thought of what was to come, wintery chills ran races up and down my back in very mockery of the perspiration which was slowly but surely taking the curl out of my bangs.”

In this quote, Bly employs vivid figurative language to draw readers into her experience, even in a nonfiction narrative. Phrases like “wintery chills ran races up and down my back” and the