Meaning: The quote "We were kept at work, and permitted to speak with each other only on such subjects as related to the Convent, and all in the hearing of the old nuns who sat by us" is from Maria Monk's book "The Awful Disclosures of Maria Monk," published in 1836. The book is a sensational and controversial account of alleged abuses in a convent in Montreal. Maria Monk claimed to have been a nun at the Hôtel-Dieu de Montréal, where she experienced various forms of mistreatment and misconduct.

In the quote, Maria Monk describes the strict and controlled environment within the convent, where the nuns were kept at work and were only allowed to speak with each other on specific topics related to the convent. Moreover, their conversations were monitored by the old nuns who sat by them, indicating a lack of privacy and autonomy within the convent.

It's important to note that Maria Monk's book has been a subject of intense scrutiny and skepticism. Many historians and scholars have raised doubts about the veracity of her claims and the accuracy of her account. The book was widely criticized for its sensationalism and anti-Catholic sentiments, and it sparked a significant public debate at the time of its publication.

The quote sheds light on the oppressive and controlling nature of the convent environment as depicted by Maria Monk. It portrays a picture of isolation, surveillance, and limited freedom for the nuns, suggesting a deeply restrictive and authoritarian atmosphere within the institution.

The publication of "The Awful Disclosures of Maria Monk" contributed to the ongoing debates about the role of convents and the treatment of nuns within religious institutions. It fueled anti-Catholic sentiments and added to the existing prejudices and suspicions towards the Catholic Church in North America during the 19th century.

Despite the controversy surrounding Maria Monk's claims, her book had a lasting impact on public perceptions of convents and the treatment of women within religious orders. It became a part of the broader discourse on religious freedom, women's rights, and the power dynamics within religious institutions.

In conclusion, the quote from Maria Monk's book provides a glimpse into the controlled and restrictive environment within the convent as described by the author. While the veracity of her claims remains a subject of debate, her work has left a lasting legacy in shaping public perceptions and discussions about the treatment of nuns and the practices within convents during the 19th century.