Maria de Zayas y Sotomayor is introduced in https://derrickjknight.com/2024/09/02/the-ravages-of-vice/
This outspoken woman, centuries ahead of her time, on the very first page of this second story in my Folio Society selection, gives her view of the subservient position of women with “His will was always her will, and she loved and obeyed him as a father, so she accepted the offer [of marriage]”.
Maria has this to say about love, honour, and retribution: “despite the kindness she received at first from her husband”, the bride discovers that “Men are very accomplished at showing this in the early days of marriage, indeed it is my opinion that they are so generous with it then that they spend it all in the first year, after which, the springs of charity having dried up, they drive their wives to their graves from very lack of it. And….this is certainly the reason why wives, finding themselves disliked, become involved in infidelities which dishonour their husbands and cost they themselves their lives. What can a husband, or a father or a brother or, at its lowest level, a lover, expect from a woman except disaster if she finds herself disliked and deprived of the one thing she craves?”. Retribution is meted out by the nearest and dearest mentioned in this last sentence.
The author’s staunch Catholicism is featured several times in the story, and probably is the reason for “a great wizard and necromancer” being a Moor of the Muslim faith.
Deception, extreme cruelty, and torture, all play their typical parts in this fast moving story from an author who knows how to engage her readership.
Here is Eric Fraser’s faithful illustration to the tale.
She does sound ahead of her time. Such a dramatic illustration!
Thank you so much, Merril
Marriages arranged by parents still happen here 🙁 A student of Aravind told him after under graduation she will not be able to continue her studies because her father will arrange her marriage. Aravind was speechless.
So sad, Lakshmi. Thank you very much
My gosh, what a story! Certainly makes the case for equality, that ever elusive quality.
Thank you very much, Laurie
The quote about love, honour, and retribution are, sadly, still applicable today among some unhappy marriages.
I’m afraid so, Rosaliene. Thank you very much
This begs my oft stated question, “When a woman says something, why do many men repeat 10-15 minutes later as an original thought?” This questions applies to both husbands and co-workers. Another great review and illustration, Derrick.
This happened to me all the time in classes in college! I’d say something and there would be silence. Half an hour later a man would say exactly the same things and get ooos and aaahhhs and applause for the originality and profundity of their thoughts.
Oh dear
Every so often when that happened to me in a meeting I would pipe up with, “is there an echo in here?”
🙂
Thank you so much, Pat
The author definitely was ahead of her time. And, sadly, what she wrote is still timely today. The world hasn’t changed much…not enough.
That illustration is powerful and emotional.
Thank you for sharing this review, Derrick
(((HUGS))) for Jackie and you!! 🙂 ❤️❤️
Thank you very from each of us, Carolyn XX
Zayas sounds like a fearless woman who had a great deal of insight into human psychology.
She does, Liz. Thank you very much
You’re welcome, Derrick.
I agree, things have not sufficiently changed over the centuries. This author was ahead of her time.
Thank you very much, Lavinia
I would be thoroughly depressed reading that book. You are a brave man.
Thank you very much, Alys. I try to forget what is still going on today
Sigh
Gosh, Derrick, this sounds like a great tragedy for this intelligent woman.
Indeed. Thanks very much, Robbie
Poor Maria but she may have made a valid point
Indeed. Thanks very much, Sheree
Remarkable illustrations.
Thank you very much, Dolly