The passage highlights the motivations behind the actions of the "ellenjamesianas," a group deeply affected by the fear and trauma that women and girls face. For many, their representation of suffering was not solely a political statement; rather, it became a deeply personal expression of their own experiences. This reflects the complex intersection of personal trauma and societal issues, emphasizing how individual pain can connect to broader social struggles.
Furthermore, for some members of this group, the act of symbolically expressing their pain stemmed from a need to reclaim their voice in a patriarchal society. They felt silenced, particularly those who had endured traumatic experiences like rape, leading to a profound sense of loss regarding their ability to articulate their feelings. This underscores the crucial need for women to find language and agency amid oppressive circumstances.