The Ties That Bind... Or Don't.

It seems as if Heywood is attempting to stay in line with the Protestant ideals of marriage while gently calling some of its flaws to attention. He remains safely maintains adherence to the concept of the Protestant marriage by punishing Anne at the end of the play. However, by allowing Anne to fold so quickly to Windoll’s wooing, Heywood calls into question the effectiveness of such a marriage.

 

Heywood shows how the aristocratic view of marriage is little else than maintenance of high birth and wealth. Although these marriages are carefully planned, they lack the element of emotion and love. He counters this highborn idea of marriage by giving some insight into the lives of some of the servants. The servants are not bound by the rules of affection that plague the aristocracy and Heywood portrays them as being better for it.  Although he calls into question the effectiveness of marriage, Heywood still maintains a chauvinistic view of women. Throughout the play the women are at the mercy of the whims of the men.

 

Had Whatley been asked why Frankford’s marriage failed, he may have found himself in an awkward position. He would most likely have the strong instinct to place the full blame on Anne but he would be forced to bring Frankford into the picture as well. Anne does not violate any of the rules set forth by Whatley defining the role of the wife (except, possibly, for being discontented). It is Frankford who seems to violate Whatley’s rules. By passing his authority to Wendoll, Frankford effectively surrendered that which made him the head of the relationship. Because it is simply the wife’s task to be submissive, among other things, she cannot be faulted for her actions within the parameters of Whatley’s logic. She was still remaining obedient to her husband’s authority even if Wendoll was misusing it.