Being an actress usually requires understanding the human condition. Women, like men, are full of weakness. In certain roles, a women would be required to be naked are partial naked, depict promiscuity, or display other 'un-ladylike' behaviors. The women in this field were not portraying their chaste and personal control and were considered to be in violation of the norms.
Public readers were able to share in a similar way to the actress. They could comment through their performances on the human condition and they could share histories. They could, however, refrain from undesirable behaviors. Being a reader provided that creative outlet and important chronicle without violating the norms of the society.
