A Vindication of the Rights of Woman Marriage Quotes

How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)

Quote #4

Of the same complexion is Dr. Gregory's advice respecting delicacy of sentiment, which he advises a woman not to acquire, if she have determined to marry. (2.50)

Dr. Gregory teaches his daughters to conceal any sentiment they might have if they plan on getting married. For him, women are only attractive to men if they are completely silent and pretty. Men don't want to confront the fact that women have inner lives.

Quote #5

To rise in the world, and have the liberty of running from pleasure to pleasure, they must marry advantageously, and to this object their time is sacrificed, and their persons often legally prostituted. (4.23)

Wollstonecraft is concerned about the way that women dedicate their entire lives to marrying up in society. This focus totally keeps them from ever becoming virtuous people, because their focus necessarily has to be on the superficial things they need to do to achieve their goals.

Quote #6

Still, highly as I respect marriage, as the foundation of almost every social virtue, I cannot avoid feeling the most likely compassion for those unfortunate females who are broken off from society, and by one error torn from all those affections and relationships that improve the heart and mind. (4.66)

Wollstonecraft wants her readers to know that she respects the institution of marriage. But she can't help but feel sorry for all of the women who have ruined their lives by marrying badly and committing themselves to horrible men.