OF MARRIAGE AND SINGLE LIFE
He that hath wife and children hath given hostages to fortune; for they are impediments to great enterprises, either of virtue or mischief. Certainly the best works, and of greatest merit for the public, have proceeded from the unmarried or childless men; which both in affection and means, have married and endowed the public. Yet it were great reason that those that have children, should have greatest care of future times; unto which they know they must transmit their dearest pledges. Some there are, who though they lead a single life, yet their thoughts do end with themselves, and account future times impertinences. Nay, there are some other, that account wife and children, but as bills of charges. Nay more, there are some foolish rich covetous men that take a pride, in having no children, because they may be thought so much the richer. For perhaps they have heard some talk, Such an one is a great rich man, and another except to it, Yea, but he hath a great charge of children; as if it were an abatement to his riches. But the most ordinary cause of a single life, is liberty, especially in certain self-pleasing and humorous minds, which are so sensible of every restraint, as they will go near to think their girdles and garters, to be bonds and shackles. Unmarried men are best friends, best masters, best servants; but not always best subjects; for they are light to run away; and almost all fugitives, are of that condition. A single life doth well with churchmen; for charity will hardly water the ground, where it must first fill a pool. It is indifferent for judges and magistrates; for if they be facile and corrupt, you shall have a servant, five times worse than a wife. For soldiers, I find the generals commonly in their hortatives, put men in mind of their wives and children; and I think the despising of marriage amongst the Turks, maketh the vulgar soldier more base. Certainly wife and children are a kind of discipline of humanity; and single men, though they may be many times more charitable, because their means are less exhaust, yet, on the other side, they are more cruel and hardhearted (good to make severe inquisitors), because their tenderness is not so oft called upon. Grave natures, led by custom, and therefore constant, are commonly loving husbands, as was said of Ulysses, vetulam suam praetulit immortalitati. Chaste women are often proud and froward, as presuming upon the merit of their chastity. It is one of the best bonds, both of chastity and obedience, in the wife, if she think her husband wise; which she will never do, if she find him jealous. Wives are young men’s mistresses; companions for middle age; and old men’s nurses. So as a man may have a quarrel to marry, when he will. But yet he was reputed one of the wise men, that made answer to the question, when a man should marry,- A young man not yet, an elder man not at all. It is often seen that bad husbands, have very good wives; whether it be, that it raiseth the price of their husband’s kindness, when it comes; or that the wives take a pride in their patience. But this never fails, if the bad husbands were of their own choosing, against their friends’ consent; for then they will be sure to make good their own folly.
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Francis Bacon's 'Of Marriage and Single Life' Download Pdf
This issue focuses on one of the most pragmatic and insightful essays from the father of the English essay himself, Francis Bacon. His essay, "Of Marriage and Single Life," is a masterclass in concise argumentation, offering a window into the social mores of the early 17th century while presenting observations that remain strikingly relevant today.
As students of English literature, dissecting such a work is crucial. It enhances our understanding of the development of the essay as a genre, the shift towards Renaissance humanism, and the art of persuasive prose. Let's explore the layers of meaning, style, and context within this compact yet powerful piece of writing.
Bacon's "Of Marriage and Single Life"
Introduction to the Essay
"Of Marriage and Single Life" is one of the 58 essays Francis Bacon published in his final collection. Unlike the sentimental treatises on love and relationships from other writers, Bacon’s approach is dispassionate, utilitarian, and grounded in a clear-eyed observation of human nature and society. He weighs the practical advantages and disadvantages of both states—marriage and single life—not from an emotional perspective, but through the lenses of responsibility, liberty, and public service. The essay is a prime example of the Baconian method: it presents a balanced argument, though a distinct preference for the societal value of marriage emerges by the end.
Summary
Bacon structures his essay like a logical debate, presenting both sides before arriving at a conclusion.
On Single Life: Bacon begins by acknowledging the freedoms of the unmarried man. He states that unmarried men are "best friends, best masters, best servants," as they are not tied down by familial obligations. They are free to pursue personal interests and are often the most generous benefactors to public causes because they have no children to whom they must bequeath their wealth. However, Bacon quickly introduces a critical flaw: he labels them "cruel and hard-hearted" because their freedom often translates to a lack of deep responsibility.
On Married Life: Contrary to his opening, Bacon builds a case for marriage. He argues that married men are "more responsible" and have greater "foresight for the future" because they work not just for themselves but for their wives and children. He posits that a man truly learns charity and duty within the confines of his own home. While a single man might be a good friend, a married man, bound by duty, makes a better, more reliable citizen.
Main Themes
Bacon’s essay is rich with interconnected themes that reflect his worldview.
Liberty vs. Responsibility: This is the central dichotomy. The single life offers liberty from duty, while marriage imposes responsibility. Bacon suggests that while liberty is desirable, the responsibilities of marriage cultivate a more virtuous and socially integrated individual.
The Public Good vs. Private Interest: Bacon evaluates both states based on their contribution to society. The single man, free from private burdens, can be a great public benefactor. Yet, the married man, through his raised children and stable household, forms the very fabric of a stable commonwealth. Bacon implies that the latter is a more foundational and reliable form of social contribution.
Practicality over Emotion: Throughout the essay, Bacon avoids romanticizing marriage. His analysis is starkly practical. He discusses wives as "hostages to fortune," indicating the risks and vulnerabilities that come with a family. This theme underscores his reputation as a pragmatic philosopher who prioritized rational thought over sentimental feeling.
Literary Techniques
Bacon’s genius lies in his powerful and economical use of language.
Aphoristic Style: True to his form, Bacon packs profound truths into short, memorable statements. For example, his description of a wife and children as "hostages to fortune" is a powerful aphorism that encapsulates the risks of dependency and the anxiety that comes with love and duty.
Balanced Antithesis: The entire essay is built on the structural technique of antithesis—juxtaposing opposing ideas to create a balanced argument. "Unmarried men are best friends... but married men are best citizens." This technique forces the reader to weigh both options logically.
Allusion and Authority: Bacon, a man of immense learning, subtly reinforces his arguments by alluding to common beliefs and historical figures, lending an air of established authority to his observations without needing to cite them explicitly in this brief format.
Critical Appreciation
"Of Marriage and Single Life" is a brilliant example of the formal, impersonal essay. While later essayists like Charles Lamb would inject their personality into their work, Bacon remains a distant, authoritative voice. This can be seen as a strength, as it gives the essay a universal and philosophical quality. However, a modern reader might find his views stark and unemotional, particularly his characterization of single men as "hard-hearted." The essay is not a celebration of love but a calculus of social utility. Its value for postgraduates lies in its exemplary form, its razor-sharp rhetoric, and its encapsulation of Renaissance pragmatism. It serves as a perfect contrast to the more personal and discursive essays that would develop in the centuries to follow.
About the Author: Francis Bacon Download Pdf
Francis Bacon (1561-1626) was a true Renaissance man—a philosopher, statesman, scientist, jurist, and author. He is hailed as the "Father of the English Essay" for popularizing the essay form in English, adapting it from Michel de Montaigne. Beyond his literary contributions, Bacon is a monumental figure in the history of science, championing the inductive method of scientific inquiry based on observation and experimentation, which laid the groundwork for the modern scientific method. His essays reflect this empirical mind; they are "counsels, civil and moral," derived from his vast experience in the courts of Elizabeth I and James I. His knighthood and eventual title of Lord Verulam afforded him a unique perspective on power, ambition, and human nature, all of which are distilled into his concise and powerful essays.
Conclusion
Francis Bacon’s "Of Marriage and Single Life" is more than a 400-year-old opinion piece; it is a foundational text in the history of English prose. Its disciplined structure, aphoristic brilliance, and unwavering focus on practical wisdom make it an indispensable subject of study. For the postgraduate student, it offers a masterclass in constructing a persuasive argument and using language with maximum efficiency and impact. By understanding Bacon, we understand a critical pivot point in literary history, where the essay began its journey as a vehicle for intellectual and moral inquiry.
Multiple Choice Questions: Bacon's "Of Marriage and Single Life"
1. How does Francis Bacon primarily approach the topic of marriage and single life in his essay?
A) With romantic and sentimental fervor
B) Through a dispassionate and utilitarian lens
C) By using complex poetic metaphors
D) By focusing on religious doctrines
2. According to Bacon, what is a major advantage of being single?
A) Single men are more emotionally fulfilled.
B) Single men are more likely to become great philosophers.
C) Single men are "best friends, best masters, best servants" due to their freedom.
D) Single men are universally trusted by the state.
3. What critical flaw does Bacon associate with unmarried men?
A) They are often poor and destitute.
B) They are "cruel and hard-hearted" due to a lack of deep responsibility.
C) They are prone to melancholy and depression.
D) They are overly ambitious and dangerous to the state.
4. Which of the following best describes Bacon's view on the societal role of married men?
A) They are too preoccupied with private life to be of public use.
B) They make the best citizens because they are bound by duty and responsibility.
C) They are inferior to single men in all aspects of public service.
D) They are primarily focused on accumulating personal wealth.
5. What is the central thematic dichotomy that structures Bacon's essay?
A) Love vs. Hate
B) Wealth vs. Poverty
C) Liberty vs. Responsibility
D) Faith vs. Reason
6. Which literary technique is a hallmark of Bacon's style, exemplified by the phrase "hostages to fortune"?
A) Stream of consciousness
B) Aphoristic style
C) Pathetic fallacy
D) Satirical hyperbole
7. How does Bacon's essayistic voice in "Of Marriage and Single Life" differ from later essayists like Charles Lamb?
A) Bacon's voice is more humorous and anecdotal.
B) Bacon's voice is more personal and confessional.
C) Bacon's voice is more distant, authoritative, and philosophical.
D) Bacon's voice is more poetic and lyrical.
8. Beyond being an essayist, what other major contribution is Francis Bacon famous for?
A) Championing the inductive method and the scientific revolution.
B) Writing epic poems about British history.
C) Leading the Romantic literary movement.
D) Establishing the first printing press in England.
9. What does Bacon imply is the foundational school for a man's character?
A) The royal court
B) The university
C) The battlefield
D) The home and family
10. In the context of the essay, what does Bacon mean by saying a wife and children are "hostages to fortune"?
A) They are a guaranteed path to happiness and prosperity.
B) They are a financial burden that leads to poverty.
C) They represent a risk that makes a man vulnerable to misfortune and anxiety.
D) They are a prize won through good luck.
Answer Key
B) Through a dispassionate and utilitarian lens
C) Single men are "best friends, best masters, best servants" due to their freedom.
B) They are "cruel and hard-hearted" due to a lack of deep responsibility.
B) They make the best citizens because they are bound by duty and responsibility.
C) Liberty vs. Responsibility
B) Aphoristic style
C) Bacon's voice is more distant, authoritative, and philosophical.
A) Championing the inductive method and the scientific revolution.
D) The home and family
C) They represent a risk that makes a man vulnerable to misfortune and anxiety.
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