The betrothed bride must see her future home, and dictate any changes that she would like to have made there. A woman dictates before marriage in order that she may have an appetite for submission afterwards.
In George Eliot’s "Middlemarch," the concept of a betrothed bride visiting her future home emphasizes the importance of her input in creating a space where she feels comfortable. This act of dictating changes reflects her desire to establish a sense of ownership and readiness for her new life. It highlights the transition from a proactive role in planning the home to a more submissive role in marriage.
The quote underscores the notion that this initial empowering act is essential for women to feel more prepared for their post-marital responsibilities. By having a say before marriage, a woman can cultivate the willingness to submit to her husband's authority later on, illustrating the societal expectations and dynamics of gender roles during that time.
