Authority Rules

Whately could possibly blame Master Frankford for the disruption in his marriage because of his inability to uphold his "special duties" as a husband.  Whately calls for husbands to both "keep" their authority and "use" it.  Master Frankford does neither.

By taking Wendoll into the home and putting him in charge, Frankford gives his authority as husband away.  The result, of course, is that he is no longer able to use his authority affectively.  By Whately's standards, Frankford surrenders himself and therefore, sets his marriage up for disaster.

Heywood seems to be making an attempt to show what happens when couples ignore traditional marriage standards of authority.  The marriage crumbles under the Frankfords' feet because proper authority is not maintained.  Heywood appears to be saying that a couple must adhere to a plilosophy similar to that of Whately's in order for marriage to run smoothly.