Question

why was a husband's character so important in determining a woman's life in the early nineteenth century

Answer 1

During the 19th Century women had fewer rights than they do today. Also, it was more common for them to stay at home overseeing domestic duties such as cooking, cleaning and so on.

For this reason, women had to count on their husbands to provide for the family. So they needed husbands who could provide for them and their family.