Anna Cora Mowatt (1819-1870) was best known for her work as a playwright, orator, and actress. She was born in Bordeaux, France, to a wealthy merchant class family, and is a descendent of a signatory of the U.S. Declaration of Independence. A precocious child, Mowatt showed a passion for reading, writing, and acting at a young age. At the age of six, her family moved back to the U.S. 

         At age 15, Anna eloped with a wealthy New York lawyer named James Mowatt. (Barnes 31) Anna was more like a school girl than wife to James, however. James supported Anna financially, and encouraged her to read and write. (Barnes 32)  Once James Mowatt fell ill, he could no longer provide the same support to both Anna and himself. (Barnes 36) Anna had to become the breadwinner for the household, an unusual position for a woman to have in 19th century America. 

        In order to support both herself and James financially, Anna decided to pursue a career as a public reader. (Macki) This type of career was frowned upon for women, however, because it brought them out of their traditional role in the domestic sphere. But Anna Cora Mowatt knew how to straddle both spheres. She knew how to gain the respect of audiences. This unique ability of hers helped propel her success and establish her future career as a female theater artist. By working within the expecations of women in society, Mowatt was able to defy these very expectations. 

      It is essential to note that Mowatt's decisions to take on different career paths were largely driven by financial necessity. However, underlying these economic decisions was Mowatt's deep passion for self-expression and theater-making, a passion that would lead her to success.