Essay Questions

How does Wollstonecraft explore the dynamics of gender through Maria’s family?

Maria writes, “My father had been a captain of a man of war; but, disgusted with the service, on account of the preferment of men whose chief merit was their family connections or borough interest, he retired into the country; and, not knowing what to do with himself—married. In his family, to regain his lost consequence, he determined to keep up the same passive obedience, as in the vessels in which he had commanded…My eldest brother, it is true, as he grew up, was treated with more respect by my father; and became in due form the deputy-tyrant of the house. The representative of my father, a being privileged by nature—a boy, and the darling of my mother, he did not fail to act like an heir apparent. Such indeed was my mother’s extravagant partiality, that, in comparison with her affection for him, she might be said not to love the rest of her children. Yet none of the children seemed to have so little affection for her. Extreme indulgence had rendered him so selfish, that he only thought of himself; and from tormenting insects and animals, he became the despot of his brothers, and still more of his sisters.”

Boundless inequity is apparent in Maria’s household. Her father propagates the inequality based on how he rules with an archetypal ‘ iron fist.’ The females, counting Maria’s mother, are imperiled due to the tyrannical patriarchy which compels womenfolk to submit to their lowliness. Robert espouses the tyrannical mind-set for he is programmed to assert his superiority which is ascribed to his masculinity. Sadly, Robert has an edge based on the enormous portion of the motherly affection which he relishes. Consequently, Robert develops a despotic nature which is detrimental is the perpetuation of equivalence in the household.

Expound Maria’s lessons on hurried, arranged marriage.

Maria remarks, ‘Hearts like our’s were pair’d—not match’d. These were, at first, spontaneous emotions, though, becoming acquainted with men of wit and polished manners, I could not sometimes help regretting my early marriage; and that, in my haste to escape from a temporary dependence, and expand my newly fledged wings, in an unknown sky, I had been caught in a trap, and caged for life…I now tried to improve my husband’s taste, but we had few subjects in common; indeed he soon appeared to have little relish for my society, unless he was hinting to me the use he could make of my uncle’s wealth. When we had company, I was disgusted by an ostentatious display of riches, and I have often quitted the room, to avoid listening to exaggerated tales of money obtained by lucky hits.”

Maria’s remorse validates the idea that her arranged matrimony is not an utter bliss. She is predominantly discordant with her spouse which jeopardizes their matrimony. Their marraige lacks a harmony of objectives, and Maria’s prospects about the marriage are not realized for she feels that she is trapped in it.

How does neglect affect married women?

Maria illustrates, “A woman neglected by her husband, or whose manners form a striking contrast with his, will always have men on the watch to soothe and flatter her. Besides, the forlorn state of a neglected woman, not destitute of personal charms, is particularly interesting, and rouses that species of pity, which is so near akin, it easily slides into love.” Neglect may entice a forlorn wife to engross in extra-marital affairs. Maria’s illustration implies deserted women are susceptible to Self-pity .Women who are lacking self-love are bound to be reliant on the validation from menfolk.