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Spousal abuse int he 18th century was widely seen as "okay" and was allowed due to the fact that men had to "correct" their wives' behaviour. This is so wrong. In Wuthering Heights, it is told to the reader by Isabelle was beaten vigorously by Heathcliff. Heathcliff only beat the poor woman due to the fact that her features resembled that of her brothers. The abuse took its toll on Isabella, and she was horrified at the man she had married. This was common with most spousal abuse in the 18th century. Unlike our modern society today, the beating of a wife was socially accepted in moderation. I find that this is absolutely atrocious behaviour. There is one particular case that has grabbed plenty of attention throughout history, and that is the case of Mary Eleanor Bowes. Mary was tricked into marriage with an "Irish fortune-hunter" by the name of Andrew Robinson Stoney. Andrew beat poor Mary with sticks, candlesticks, and the like, and threatened her deeply with knives and physical violence. After eight years of being married to the violent man, Mary had fled the home and brought forth many court cases regarding divorce, and child custody. Andrew was terrified that he would lose "his" fortune, so he kidnapped Mary, and threatened her with a gun and rape. Mary ended up winning her divorce case and got custody of her children, while forcing Andrew to spend the rest of his days in a jail cell. Even after this case occurred, spousal abuse rules hardly changed until later dates. It makes me disgusted to see that such behaviour was tolerated in the past towards women. Even now, in today's society, cases of spousal abuse and domestic violence appear in society today, although it is now illegal in most parts of the world.
Do you think that spousal abuse is one of the worst things that a person can do? Why or why not?
Source:
http://www.wondersandmarvels.com/2009/03/18th-century-domestic-violence.html
Do you think that spousal abuse is one of the worst things that a person can do? Why or why not?
Source:
http://www.wondersandmarvels.com/2009/03/18th-century-domestic-violence.html