I should like to know what is the proper function of women, if it is not to make reasons for husbands to stay at home, and still stronger reasons for bachelors to go out.

George Eliot's quote humorously critiques the traditional roles of women in society, particularly in the context of marriage and bachelorhood. By saying, "what is the proper function of women," she questions the purpose society has assigned to women and whether it is simply to serve as a reason for husbands to stay home and bachelors to venture out. The underlying tone of the quote suggests that these roles are limited and perhaps reductive, reflecting a societal expectation that women’s primary value lies in influencing the behavior of men in these two distinct roles.

The phrase “make reasons for husbands to stay at home” can be seen as a comment on the traditional role of women as caregivers and homemakers, with men being expected to work and provide for the family. Eliot seems to question whether the role of women is to simply provide men with a justification for staying at home, thereby reducing the complexity of women's lives to a supporting role in male decisions.

On the other hand, the idea of women providing "stronger reasons for bachelors to go out" seems to address the societal expectations placed on bachelors, where women are often seen as a source of romantic or social engagement. Eliot appears to critique the idea that women’s influence on men should be the determining factor in their choices—whether it be staying home with a wife or pursuing the freedom of bachelorhood.

Ultimately, Eliot's quote questions the function and limitations imposed on women within the traditional social structure. It is a reflection on how society has historically defined women’s roles in relation to men and invites the reader to think about the complexity and agency of women beyond the traditional expectations of marriage or being an object of desire.