Wet Blanket
Posted by Caroline on June 07, 1998 at 12:58:06:
In response to Suicide, written by Peg on June 03, 1998 at 11:59:01
] What could a person of that time period take in effort to kill themselves that could be stopped in the nick of time? Also, what would counteract it's effects? Thank you!
Peg, would you forgive me for being a real wet blanket here? I think you have two things to clarify before we can be of constructive use to you.
One is the question of the suicide. There are two kinds of suicide attempts. People who really intend to kill themselves usually choose something quick, , absolutely certain, and they do it alone, where no-one can catch them at it. That's why they jump off cliffs, hang themselves,cu their wrists, take fast-acting poison. The other kind is the 'cry for help' where thay do something which is obvious, take a poison that is slow-acting, not too horrific, and easily remedied. What kind of suicide is yours?
Secondly, why do you need a poison of some kind? Many herbs and drugs are going to be very season and situation specific. You'd be better off, in my opinion, with some of the patent medications like Laudanum, or Calomel.
Also, please remember that suicice in Jane Austen's time was a very, very, serious thing, even more serious than now.Not only was it against the teachings of the church, but also, I think, it was a criminal act. A successful suicideee would be regarded as a criminal by society.
Again, sorry to be a wet blanket.I'm trying to be realistic and helpful, but not being much of a story-writer myself, I balk at what I see as gross improbabilities. :-(
- a little further note... P. Bingham 23:26:30 6/09/98
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- suicide Laura W 15:15:04 6/28/98
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- suicide Laura W 15:15:04 6/28/98
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- Thank you for pointing some things out... Peg 17:12:37 6/07/98
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