By refocusing her discussion of Lucretia, however, Cereta rewrites one of the most central narratives of Renaissance humanism. Lucretia's rape by Tarquinius Sextus and the subsequent unravelling of the monarchy following his expulsion had long been held up as a paradigm by Renaissance political thinkers. The third section of this letter shifts tone dramatically. Whereas the letter began with Cereta attempting to convince Patavius of the benefits of marriage, it concludes with a long discourse on the destructive effects of marriage on women. Women are subservient to their husbands and are forced to debase themselves on a regular basis.
Marriage is a great boon for men, but it cripples the woman.
She ends up nothing more than an animal and, in the end, she may only look forward to a paltry and grievous existence after the death of her husband. Among other things, this rather startling conclusion indicates that Cereta intended her letter to be read by an audience distinct from the letter's nominal addressee.