Quotation-Comment-Question
The Tenant of Wildfell, Bronte
#1
Quotation: Her Right to Support; Page 4.
Neither the Courts of Common Law Nor Equity have any direct power to oblige a man to support his wife-the Ecclesiastical Courts and a Magistrate’s court at the instance of her parish alone can do this.
A married woman’s earnings not her own but her husband’s; Page 4.
Money earned by a married woman belongs absolutely to her husband: that and all sources of income, except those mentioned above, are included in the term personal property.
Commenting/Questioning:
I was astonished at how restricting and controlling these laws were for women in this age. Like in this excerpt, there is no obligation for the husband to provide any kind of support, but for matters of religion. This later transfers to finances and most ownership of property. So later on when it becomes clear that a woman’s earnings aren’t her own but her husband’s. Looking at this from a modern-day perspective, many of these regulations ‘screw-over’ the woman or contradict other statements. For example, how were women expected to support themselves if their earnings were controlled by spouses? Granted it seems most men supported their wives to keep up appearances if that was important to them, but what about those who didn’t?
#2
Quotation: Chapter 19. Page 193
“I will, this instant—if you’ll only say you love me.”
“You know I do,” I answered. And again he caught me in his arms, and smothered me with kisses.
At that moment my aunt opened wide the door, and stood before us, candle in hand, in shocked and horrified amazement…
Commenting/Questioning:
I understand how the whole structure and at the time purpose of a woman’s life was to marry, serve their husband and produce children. There is pride and purpose in this tradition but I find it interesting how this is the main life goal but there are so many regulations and rules to follow for courtship. For example, I found this scene rather contradicting to my previous knowledge of romance at the time. Now, Mr. Huntingdon doesn’t have the finances Helen’s family is looking for but she is content with the person rather than what is on the outside. I incorporate her mindset as well beyond her time period. She avoids traditional courtship and prefers a good man who can treat her right. So we have one mindset while everyone close to Helen is hesitant for this marriage, like Helen’s aunt. Yet, Helen is following what her aunt told her, to ensure the man you desire is worthy of you first before your love. I wonder how this plays out and changes Helen as a character.
Custody of Infants Act: R V Greenhill
#4
Quotation: Page 4, paragraph 2
In court of November I0th, for the delivery of the children by Mrs. Greenhill, she had refused to give them up, and expressed her determination not to live again in the same house with her husband: and that she had asked him what he meant to do with the children, to which he had replied that he should take them to Knowle, and that she might see them whenever she pleased.
Comment: My first thought for this quote was the similarity to Helen’s situation in Wildfell. Helen was unhappy in her marriage and seeks a way out for the safety of herself and her beloved son. She knew the laws surrounding her situation as provided in these case studies. If Helen had attempted to divorce or other legal action, she very well could lose her son similar to Mrs. Greenhill. I think it’s interesting how times changed: men used to have almost guaranteed custody of their children to now when courts try to keep the mother and child together.
Question: So what changed over time for ideal child custody? Well as a society we have grown away from legal male domination over their spouses, finances, property, and the list goes on. Not only should a legal case consider all aspects and conditions surrounding the problem but keep in mind what’s best for the child. The gravity of accountability has also developed over time, women aren’t treated as severely as they used to be and it’s now easier to trace people’s actions. While there is still a need for improvement in the court system, women have come a long way, fighting for their rights and what’s best for their families.
Mr. Meeson’s Will
#8
Page 111.
“I never thogyuth of that before. I will do it at once, and cut Addison and Roscoe out altogether. Eustace shall have every farthing…”
Mr. Meeson reminds me of Ebenezer Scrooge, in the sense that both are driven by greed and money. At thus point, Meeson seems to only lookout for himself and I thought cutting Eustace out of the will so quickly was a rushed decision. However, as soon as his life was threatened and he dramatically claimed he was dying, Augusta’s guidence persuaded him to change his will.
I think this chapter shows how undervalued Augusta’s intelligence is. It reflects how woman are dismissed throughout history; not allowed to work or be educated to an extent yet her ideas excite Mr. Meeson to where he calls on her brilliance and praises. She suggests the idea of a tattoo and the tools needed to be improvised for the future of herself and Eustace.
#9
Chapter 20, Page 243
“What are the circumstances? A will is supposed to have been tattooed upon this lady’s skin; but is the skin a whole person? Does not the intelligence remain, and the individual?… Then let us suppose that the plaintiff had persuaded the witness to be partially skinned”
I thought this was a cleverly written chapter in the sense that James Short broke down the case for readers and as a character had a faltering moment. Mr. Short defends Agusta and fights for the legality and legitimacy of the Will and in this chapter the right for her to testify. The judge, in this case, seems reasonable and willing to hear out both sides; due to the fact that there are a lot of unusual circumstances in this case. I believe the question of the skin to be true; yes the skin is a person as a whole. I’m glad the judge decided to let Augusta be sworn in, I think just because a legal document is printed on the skin, there’s no reason that the person should lose their right to tell their side of the story and testify. I also was relieved when all the pressure was on John and he pulled through. He was professional and reasonable in his explanations. I wonder how the case will end and if James will keep his resolve together. Will the case result in Augusta being a legal document or recognized as an individual?
#11
Education Act: Page 7 PDF
Miscellaneous Powers of School Board
“Payments of school fees. 25. The school board of they think fit, from time to time…not exceeding six months, pay the whole or any part of the school fees payable at any public elementary school by any child resident in their district who’s parents is in their opinion unable from poverty to pay…”
I think it’s really interesting how even in 1870, children’s education was expensive. As society moved away from traditional expectations of children like extensive labor, this not only changed the family dynamic but also inspired sections like this one in the act to be incorporated. The price of living was so heavy back in the day that small kids who should be learning and playing had to work which brought some income to a struggling family. Then when school became the normal, family’s struggled to pay for their children ‘s education. This is an interesting parallel that operates in a cycle. I think it was smart of the Act to include the option of financial support however I struggle to understand the ‘but’ statement in this. It states no payment shall be refused or denied on the condition that it’s selected by the parent. And such payments may not be deemed to parents. I did some research and this later section refers to the right every child has to education with limits to which family qualifies for excused payments. It was also interesting to see how the regulations of school have developed over the years and what is still practiced today.
Robin West Papers
#12
