“Occasion of Good”
Mary Astell explains, “Curiosity, which is sometimes an Occasion of Good, but more frequently of Mischief, by disturbing our own or our Neighbours Repose, having induc’d me to read the Account of an unhappy Marriage, I thought an Afternoon would not be quite thrown away in pursuing such Reflections as it occasion’d. I am far from designing a Satire upon Marriage, as some pretend, either unkindly or ignorantly, through want of Reflection in that Sense wherein I use the Word.” Astell affirms that her inquisitiveness is the incentive of the reflections which she has regarding marriage. The interpretations sway the deductions which she makes concerning the establishment of marriage.
‘Breach of Faith’
Mary Astell writes, “Or, suppose on the other Hand, she has married the Man she loves, heap’d upon him the highest Obligations, by putting into his Power the Fortune he coveted, the Beauty he profess’d to adore; how soon are the Tables turn’d? It is her Part now to court and fawn; his real or pretended Passion soon cools into Indifference, Neglect, or perhaps Aversion. ’Tis well if he preserves a decent Civility, takes a little care of Appearances, and is willing to conceal his Breach of Faith.” The figurative ‘Breach of Faith’ connotes the man’s disloyalty which is a defilement of the pledges they countersigned to be categorically loyal.
“Proper Remedy”
Mary Astell explicates, “Devotion is the proper Remedy, and the only infallible Relief in all Distresses; when this is neglected or turn’d into Ridicule, we run, as from one Wickedness, so from one Misfortune, to another. Unhappy is that Grandeur which is too great to be good, and that which sets us at a Distance from true Wisdom. Even Bigotry, as contemptible as it is, is preferable to profane Wit; for that requires our Pity, but this deserves our Abhorrence.” Unqualified commitment to marriage is a robust pillar which guarantees a couple’s durability. Steadfast couples espouse inherent forte which qualifies them to dodge the obstacles which are characteristic in marriage.
