Gender Analysis.
How do we see this divorce through a gendered lens?
Influence of Religion:
Christian beliefs helped determine what counted as deviance from expected gender roles and how serious those perceived indiscretions were. After committing adultery, Mary allegedly sought penitence, begged God for forgiveness for her “sin,” and said that she would dedicate the rest of her life to the good of her fellow human beings. This suggests that Mary’s religious beliefs, in part, caused her to think that her actions were grave in nature and contributed to any shame/remorse she may have felt. The fact that Mary may actually have experienced this religiously-charged guilt offers insight into how Christianity helped to enforce gendered expectations for women in marriage: breaking wedding vows not only violated a marriage but also God’s laws. Additionally, when Peter asked if Mary was penitent about the affair, he said he wanted to know whether she truly would serve him and his children, so as to lead a Christian life. This illustrates a way in which men may have used religion to justify women’s subordinated role in the household and confinement to the domestic sphere.
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("Strong Divorce Case," New York Times, December 1, 1865)
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