William Gouge published this book in 1622 to lay out the different expected duties of different family members. One major topic is children's duty to obey their parents. Gouge holds that children cannot act on their own behalf since they are their parents' property. He also holds that secret marriages can be made void by the church, if they are done without parental consent.—TS
Gouge, William, 1578-1653.
Of domesticall duties eight treatises. I. An exposition of that part of Scripture out of which domesticall duties are raised. ... VIII. Duties of masters. By William Gouge., London : Printed by Iohn Haviland for William Bladen, and are to be sold at the signe of the Bible neere the great north doore of Pauls, 1622
STC 12119
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Title page
Page 442
Pages 448-49
Teacher Ideas
Angela Chang / ACE Technical Charter High School / Chicago, IL / English
After reading Gouge, compare the relationships between parents and children in Shakespeare's plays and today. (Romeo and Juliet and A Midsummer Night's Dream are good choices for this activity.) Have students answer these questions: What do your parents/guardians expect from you as a contemporary young adult? How do you react? How would young people in Shakespeare plays have reacted differently? Students may also want to make their own more modern booklet outlining the qualities that children, mothers, fathers, and guardians should have.
Kate Authenrieth / St. Agnes Boys School / Bronx, NY / English
Use Gouge's work to examine Hermia and Lysander's decision to elope in A Midsummer Night's Dream. Their decision is unlikely considering the context. Or, use it to examine Kate's personality in The Taming of the Shrew. She plays an unlikely female role.
