Die moderne Ehe und wie man sie ertragen soll

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

27891

Title

Die moderne Ehe und wie man sie ertragen soll

Language

de

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

Maud Churton Braby's 1911 treatise, "Die moderne Ehe und wie man sie ertragen soll," offers a candid, often satirical examination of marital dissatisfaction in the early 20th century. Blending social commentary with practical advice, the text explores the growing rift between genders, the decline of traditional courtship, and the complexities of fidelity. Through sharp observations and fictional dialogues, Braby challenges conventional norms, proposing alternatives like trial marriages and polygamy while ultimately advocating for mutual respect, financial autonomy, and emotional intelligence...

Summary up to 500 words

Published in 1911, Maud Churton Braby's *Die moderne Ehe und wie man sie ertragen soll* offers a provocative dissection of the marital institution during a time of profound social transition. Braby argues that marriage is under severe strain due to a widening gap between evolving gender ideals, noting a pervasive fear of marriage among men and deep dissatisfaction among women. She critiques the media's tendency to demonize women and exposes the hypocrisy of men who claim to value fidelity while engaging in infidelity. Braby suggests that male infidelity often stems from a lack of emotional fulfillment or opportunity rather than mere lust, whereas female infidelity usually results from profound unhappiness or entrapment in a loveless union. The author proposes radical alternatives to the traditional model, including a "trial marriage" system inspired by George Meredith to test compatibility before legal commitment. She also explores polygamy and polyandry as potential solutions to the monotony of monogamy and the scarcity of suitable partners. A significant portion of the text addresses the practicalities of household management, urging men to trust their wives with finances and to avoid micromanaging domestic affairs, which Braby identifies as a primary source of conflict. She emphasizes that money and a lack of trust are the chief destroyers of happiness. Through fictional dialogues and anecdotes, Braby illustrates the benefits of a husband maintaining male friendships and a wife enjoying social outings. She contends that a silent, respectful husband and a content, independent wife create a harmonious home. The book serves as both a critique of Victorian and Edwardian social mores and a practical guide for navigating the emotional and financial complexities of domestic life. Braby concludes that while marriage carries risks, it remains the best path to happiness if approached with reason, humor, and a willingness to compromise.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

Download URL

https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/27891.epub.noimages

Local file path

data/epubs/pg27891.epub

Download EPUB

Downloaded at

2026-07-04 22:16 UTC

Categories

• Psychology
• Marriage