In conforming to societal expectations, Well's discussion of rape put her at the center of controversy and even scandal for speaking so freely about sexual matters, especially since she was unmarried at the time. In addition, she was a non-conformist by simply speaking publicly, since a woman's place was at home if married, and if not, she should certainly entertaining thoughts sexual indiscretion and rape. However, she did not let such obstacles deter her mission to reform social norms of the time. Well's should also be looked upon as a militant because of her desire to abolish lynching laws rather than trying to reform its use. In other words, she did not cite any instances in which lynching should be permissible. In time when accomadationist theory flourished, someone lacking her fierce spirit might have stop pursuing the issue altogether or reached some form of compromise to gain support from white southerners.…
