Some Reflections Upon Marriage: With Additions

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.