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Prose

Notes though it is, commentary or notes on the surrounding historical background or incidental
figures in Martineau’s texts.
• All women should inform themselves of the condition of their sex and of their own position.
It must necessarily follow that the noblest of them will, sooner or later, put forth a moral
power which shall prostrate cant, and burst asunder the bonds (silken to some but cold iron
to others) of feudal prejudice and usages. In the meantime is it to be understood that the
principles of the Declaration of Independence bear no relation to half of the human race? If
so, what is the ground of this limitation? There is no country in the world where there is so
much boasting of the ‘chivalrous’ treatment she enjoys . . . . In short, indulgence is given her
as a substitute for justice.
• What office is there which involves more responsibility, which requires more qualifications,
and which ought, therefore, to be more honourable, than that of teaching? Teaching and
training children is to a few, a very few, a delightful employment notwithstanding its toils
and cares. Except to these few it is irksome: and when accompanied with poverty and
mortification intolerable.
• A soul occupied with great ideas performs small duties. Religion is a temper, not a pursuit.
I am in truth very thankful for not having married at all. The older I have grown, the more
serious and irremediable have seemed to me the evils and disadvantages of married life as it
exists among us at this time. I have no sympathy for those who, under any pressure of
circumstances, sacrifice their heart’s-love for legal prostitution. [on a visit to the United
States:] The instruction furnished is not good enough for the youth of such a country . . . .
There is not even any systematic instruction given on political morals: an enormous deficiency
in a republic.

24.8 Key-Words

1. Unflinchingly : Showing neither fear nor indecision.
2. Feminism : Advocacy of Women’s rights on the grounds of political, social and economic
equality to men.

24.9 Review Questions

1. Martineau was a writer of exceptional breadth and vitality. Discuss.
2. What are the major works of Martineau?
3. Briefly analyse Martineau’s view on women.
4. Describe Harriet’s Feminism.
Answers: Self-Assessment
1. (i)(a) (ii)(b) (iii)(a) (iv)(a)

24.10 Further Readings

1. Martineau, Harriet, ‘On Marriage’ 1838. Quotidian. Ed. Patrick Madden. 12th
Feb., 2007.

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