Plutarch does not concentrate on the qualities the male should possess as much as he does for the women. However, it is understood that the male is the dominant member of the union. He is responsible for ruling over his wife, while providing her with enjoyment and happiness. Basically, man is the family's provider and protector. It should also be his duty to educate, discipline, and treat his wife with the most respect. On the other hand, the role of the wife is much more involved than that of the husband. The wife is responsible for keeping the marriage harmonious, especially in times of conflict. A wife should also be good and honest, as well as faithful, educated, and well behaved. A wife should have no friends other than her husband's, and should only worship the gods he favors most. The wife must be modest, and should only be seen in public when with her husband. She should only speak her mind through her husband's tongue. A woman must obey her husband at all times, never argue with him, and always let him take the initiative for pleasure. Finally, a wife cannot count on her dowry or her beauty in hopes of having a successful marriage. Instead, she must possess all the qualities mentioned above and many more.
Next, I will explain Xenophon's ideals and purpose of marriage. He states a few important purposes for marriage. First, and most pertinent, is survival or the continuation of the human race by reproduction. Second, there is a great need for a union of male and female for the purpose of making each complete, i.e. one will make up what the other lacks. In this union, man and women will be responsible to protect their property, wealth. The man is responsible for the outdoors and the woman for the indoor. Thus, they are partners in the body and in the household. .
Xenophon further explains the ideals of a Greek marriage by discussing each member's role. The role of the male is to teach the woman what will be best for the both of them.
