The Fifteen Comforts of Matrimony: Responses from Men

by Various

"The Fifteen Comforts of Matrimony: Responses from Men by Various" is a collection of poetic commentary on the institution of marriage, likely written in the early 18th century. The book provides humorous and satirical reflections on the various challenges and frustrations that men generally experience in married life. Through a series of verses, it addresses the disillusionment of men after they marry, revealing how their initial joys can transform into a litany of complaints about their partners and the burdens of domestic life. The content chronicles a series of perspectives on marriage, detailing how men respond to the realities of matrimony—depicted as a whimsical yet often sorrowful exploration of love, fidelity, and marital dynamics. Each "comfort" serves as a cautionary tale about the realities faced by husbands, including infidelity, financial burdens, and the emotional weight of living with a spouse. Through this lens, the book critically portrays the concept of "comforts" in marriage while weaving in a mix of humor and melancholy, emphasizing the complexities and paradoxes of the married state. Ultimately, it encapsulates the conflicting feelings of affection and frustration that characterize many matrimonial experiences.