The Puritans had a unique attitude towards the role of sex in marriage. Contrary to popular belief that the Puritans were prudish and squeamish towards this particular topic, they are actually quite the opposite. In fact, their whole interpretation of marriage is not that of a "spiritual partnership" but a purely "sexual partnership". (19) They believe that sex and marriage are essential parts of every man's life, and that women are a necessary part of completing …showed first 75 words of 848 total…

…showed last 75 words of 848 total…suitable husbands and wives early on so that marriage could be the basis of a sexual relationship. (28) Marriage was the sole way to prevent fornication, and the Puritans worked towards successful marriages. Husbands and wives had to live together and respect each other. They were almost equal on this aspect, and neither could strike each other. Someone who deserted their mate earned floggings, and was often sent by the court back to their marriage partners. (29)