1. Obedience and Subordination: Wives were expected to be obedient and subordinate to their husbands in all matters. They were to defer to their husbands' judgment and decisions and seek their permission before taking any significant actions.
2. Faithfulness and Chastity: Wives were expected to remain faithful and chaste to their husbands. Any deviation from this expectation was considered a grave offense and could lead to severe consequences, including punishment and social ostracism.
3. Modesty and Restraint: Wives were expected to conduct themselves with modesty and restraint in public. They were to dress modestly, avoid excessive socializing with men other than their husbands, and maintain a reserved and dignified demeanor.
4. Household Management: Wives were responsible for managing the household, including tasks such as cooking, cleaning, and caring for children. They were expected to maintain a clean and orderly home and ensure the well-being of their families.
5. Sexual Availability: While wives were expected to maintain chastity, they were also expected to be sexually available to their husbands. Refusing sexual advances from their husbands was often seen as a form of disobedience or neglect.
6. Loyalty and Devotion: Wives were expected to be loyal and devoted to their husbands, even in difficult circumstances. They were to support their husbands unconditionally and defend their reputations against any criticism.
7. Submission and Humility: Wives were expected to be submissive and humble towards their husbands. They were to avoid challenging their husbands' authority or expressing their own opinions in a confrontational manner.
These expectations were deeply rooted in the patriarchal societal norms of the time and were influenced by religious and cultural beliefs. While these expectations may seem restrictive and oppressive by today's standards, they provide insight into the social dynamics and gender roles during the Elizabethan era.