putting them to a fence

[Peter Jiong]

With women, my dear sir, you must be firm. When you’re putting them to a fence, close your legs and don’t check them; but mind you keep ’em under control or they’ll lose their little heads. A man should always let a woman see that he’s got her well in hand.

From Mrs. Craddock (set in the late 19th century) by W Somerset Maugham

What does the underlined part mean？

[GoesStation]

Please note that I have changed your thread title.


Extract from the Posting Guidelines:


"Thread titles should include all or part of the word/phrase being discussed."

[GoesStation]

'Putting them to a fence' is heading them towards something they have to jump over (horses) or overcome (women).

This is archaic usage today which learners should not emulate.

[tzfujimino]

I know the text is from a work of literature, but I find those remarks quite offensive. I wouldn't follow that kind of advice.

[GoesStation]

I know the text is from a work of literature, but I find those remarks quite offensive. I wouldn't follow that kind of advice.

I don't understand. What offends you about the advice?

[tzfujimino]

Women are not horses. They're humans. The idea of manipulating somebody and treating them as if they were animals is not my cup of tea.

[probus]

Women are not horses. They're humans. The idea of manipulating somebody and treating them as if they were animals is not my cup of tea.

Fair enough, but we don't know without more context what character Maugham gave these words to, nor to what narrative purpose. Speaking as himself, Maugham would be unlikely to say anything about how to handle women -- he was exclusively gay in the last half of his life.

[emsr2d2]

With women, my dear sir, you must be firm ... but mind you keep ’em under control or they’ll lose their little heads. A man should always let a woman see that he’s got her well in hand.

Regardless of the fact that the opinions and behaviour above were prevalent in the late 19th century, it cannot be stated strongly enough that these days they are not only offensive but entirely unacceptable in the majority of English-speaking countries and the rest of the Western world.
It's entirely possible that most of the learners here know that already but we do generally point out anything that we believe is an important cultural aspect, especially one that would be vital to know if a learner came, for example, to the UK for a visit or to live.