Final answer:
Saint Monica had a weakness for alcohol, a common issue in the antebellum period; her struggle and eventual triumph over this weakness is an example of personal reform.
Step-by-step explanation:
St. Monica, who had been raised by a slave in her parents' household, had a weakness for drinking, which she eventually overcame. Throughout history, and especially during the antebellum period, alcohol consumption was rampant and viewed as a major societal issue. Drinking to excess was common, and this behavior was often seen as a moral failing that undermined one's character and virtues. Saint Monica's story of overcoming her inclination towards drinking is one of many where individuals battled with the negative impacts of alcohol, a struggle that was prevalent during her time.