Some Reflections upon Marriage

Focusing on the institution of marriage, Mary Astell critiques its role and implications for women in her work, questioning why so few marriages are happy despite being deemed a divine state. She argues that while marriage is essential for perpetuating humanity, it often subjugates women to obedience. Astell provocatively suggests that if a woman cannot accept the realities of marriage, she may choose not to marry at all. This edition offers a modernized text with glosses, notes, and resources for students to better engage with Astell's complex prose.