Women in that time period weren't allowed to own property (wouldn't be allowed for nearly another 10 years). Yes, it was custom that on passing of the husband, the eldest son supported his mother until her death.
Nothing about the set-up was unusual for that time period. Although, William probably should have been married by that point.
By the same token Liam was in his late twenties and should NOT have been like a wasteful teenaged boy. His father had a legitimate point that Liam was a man who his father had real reason should be employed rather than a wastrel. He wasn't some 18th century frat boy.
But, people often don't put accurate historical contexts around their arguments regarding Spike. :)
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branchandroot
no subject
Date: 2005-03-29 04:28 pm (UTC)Nothing about the set-up was unusual for that time period. Although, William probably should have been married by that point.
By the same token Liam was in his late twenties and should NOT have been like a wasteful teenaged boy. His father had a legitimate point that Liam was a man who his father had real reason should be employed rather than a wastrel. He wasn't some 18th century frat boy.
But, people often don't put accurate historical contexts around their arguments regarding Spike. :)