Marriage is the grave or tomb of wit.

Margaret Cavendish’s quote, “Marriage is the grave or tomb of wit,” reflects her critical view of the institution of marriage in the 17th century. As an early feminist writer and thinker, Cavendish often challenged the traditional roles of women and the societal norms of her time. Here, she uses the metaphor of a grave or tomb to suggest that marriage stifles or kills the intellectual freedom and sharpness—referred to as wit—that individuals, particularly women, might possess before entering into it. The quote implies that, within the confines of marriage, one's personality, creativity, or independence may be suppressed.

Cavendish's remark may have been influenced by her own experiences and observations of society’s expectations of women. In her time, marriage was often seen as a woman’s primary role, and the notion of being a wife typically required a woman to focus on domestic duties, potentially limiting her personal ambitions or intellectual pursuits. By equating marriage with the death of wit, Cavendish critiques the way in which women, in particular, were expected to conform to a restrictive and subservient role within marriage, leading to a loss of their individuality and intellectual vitality.

At a broader level, the quote also reflects Cavendish's belief that traditional marriage could hinder personal growth and the pursuit of knowledge. By calling marriage the "grave" of wit, she is commenting on how societal expectations placed on married individuals, especially women, often led to a suppression of intellectual and creative pursuits. Cavendish likely viewed marriage as an institution that confined rather than liberated, stifling the full expression of an individual’s thoughts and ideas.

Originating from Cavendish’s work in the 17th century, this quote is consistent with her larger body of work, which often explored themes of female empowerment, intellectual freedom, and the critique of societal norms. As a writer who defied conventional expectations of women’s roles, Cavendish used her wit and literary prowess to voice her opinions on the limitations placed on women, particularly within the framework of marriage.