Some Reflections Upon Marriage | Mary Astell | Summary and Analysis

Описание: In 1700, the first publication of "Reflections" by Mary Astell appeared, inspired by the notorious Mazarin divorce case. In the preface, Astell mentions her curiosity about an unhappy marriage that led her to write her reflections in an afternoon. Although she claimed not to criticize marriage itself, her work critiqued the societal norms and morals governing marriage in the early 18th century. The essay was a reaction to the rigid and oppressive marriage customs of the time, which trapped women in unequal relationships.

The 18th century was a time of significant change in marriage, with public debates challenging the traditional view of wives as property. The Mazarin divorce case, involving Hortense Mancini who fled her husband's authority, highlighted the issue of a husband's unchecked power. This case inspired Astell to write her essay, arguing that marriage stripped women of equality and left them without legal protection.

Astell believed marriage should be a partnership, but in practice, it perpetuated myths of gender inferiority. She advised women to seek happiness and improvement within themselves or through God. Despite her critique of marriage's inequities, she believed in loyalty within marriage, mirroring her views on loyalty to the sovereign.

Astell also acknowledged the necessity of divorce in extreme cases of vice and cruelty. She argued that mutual consent and free will were essential for a healthy marriage and criticized the pressure to marry for reputation or religious reasons. This pressure often led women to endure unhappy marriages to protect their social standing.

Astell used metaphors like wounds and beauty to illustrate the suffering and hidden distress women faced in marriage. She emphasized that women bore the responsibility of upholding virtue and discretion, often hiding their husbands' faults to maintain the marriage.

Thus, Astell's "Reflections" called for a reconsideration of marriage, advocating for women's equality and the importance of mutual respect and consent. She highlighted the flaws in the contemporary marriage system and the need for a more thoughtful and fair approach to marital relationships.