Question

why was a husband's character so important in determining a woman's life in the early nineteenth century

Answer 1

I know it’s probably to late to help you, but anyone else who looks up the question could then get the answer. And the answer is “Women had a few legal rights of their own”

Answer 2

During the 19th Century women had fewer rights than they do today. Also, it was more common for them to stay at home overseeing domestic duties such as cooking, cleaning and so on.

For this reason, women had to count on their husbands to provide for the family. So they needed husbands who could provide for them and their family.