There were the nine Greek muses, but in comparison, modern musing is not so satisfying. The author comments with humor from two books: The Lives of the Muses by Francine Prose and Story of the Janes. She details the relationship between the muse and the mused, in particular, writers Dorothy Wordsworth (the appreciated sister of William) and Jane Carlyle (the unappreciated wife of Thomas). Conclusion: 19th century women functioned below their abilities by training and conditioning – and relegation to the role of muse.