Getting Married · Chapter
Domestic Change of Air explained
The chapter argues that changes in marital partners are not inherently harmful and may even be beneficial, using examples of a woman married five times and a household of three intermarried families to illustrate that variety in relationshi
What happens
The chapter argues that changes in marital partners are not inherently harmful and may even be beneficial, using examples of a woman married five times and a household of three intermarried families to illustrate that variety in relationships can lead to greater wisdom, sociability, and personal development. It critiques the notion that domestic stability requires lifelong monogamy, suggesting that legal reforms to facilitate easier changes would not demoralize society.
Themes in this chapter
Critique of Marriage as an Institution
The chapter challenges the necessity of lifelong monogamy and argues that legal changes to allow easier partner changes are not harmful.
Divorce and Legal Reform
The chapter advocates for altering marriage laws to permit easier changes of partners, suggesting such reforms would not demoralize society.
Characters to notice
- Mrs. Bridgenorth
Referenced as the lady who has been married five times, described as wise, attractive, and interesting.
- Collins
Implied as part of the triple household example involving intermarriages.
- The General
Implied as part of the triple household example involving intermarriages.
Key passages
“Even those who say there is only one man or woman in the world for them, find that it is not always the same man or woman.”
People who believe in a single soulmate often discover that their ideal partner changes over time.
Highlights the variability of human affection.
“The domestic doctrinaires are also the dull people.”
Those who rigidly advocate for domestic stability are typically uninteresting.
Critiques the narrowness of traditional domestic ideals.
“The impersonal relation of sex may be judicially reserved for one person; but any such reservation of friendship, affection, admiration, sympathy and so forth is only possible to a wretchedly narrow and jealous nature.”
While sexual exclusivity can be legally limited to one partner, restricting emotional bonds like friendship and sympathy to one person reflects a petty and possessive character.
Distinguishes between sexual and emotional exclusivity.