Marriage

Definition

Marriage is a legally recognized union between two individuals, often seen as a cultural, religious, or social institution that unites partners for various purposes, including love, procreation, and economic stability. In literature, marriage often serves as a pivotal element that reflects societal norms and personal dynamics, highlighting themes of loyalty, conflict, and transformation within relationships.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Marriage in literature often symbolizes social status and power dynamics, reflecting the values of the society in which it takes place.
2. Characters' experiences with marriage can reveal their internal struggles and desires, often leading to significant character development.
3. The portrayal of marriage can critique or reinforce traditional gender roles and expectations prevalent in society.
4. Conflict arising from marriage can drive the plot forward, serving as a catalyst for action and change within the narrative.
5. In many stories, marriage is depicted as both a personal choice and a societal obligation, creating tension between individual desires and external pressures.

Review Questions

• How does the concept of marriage serve as a reflection of societal norms in selected tales?
  • In many tales, marriage reflects the societal norms of the time by illustrating expectations surrounding gender roles, familial alliances, and economic considerations. For example, arranged marriages often highlight the importance placed on social status and family connections. Characters may navigate these norms by challenging or conforming to them, revealing deeper insights into their motivations and conflicts.
• Analyze how marital conflict is portrayed in selected characters' relationships and its impact on their development.
  • Marital conflict in literature often serves as a critical point for character development. Characters facing challenges within their marriages may undergo significant transformations as they confront their own flaws or evolve in response to their circumstances. This conflict not only drives the narrative forward but also offers readers a deeper understanding of the complexities of human relationships.
• Evaluate the role of marriage as both a personal choice and societal obligation in selected tales and how it shapes characters' fates.
  • Marriage in literature often embodies the tension between personal choice and societal obligation. Characters may struggle with their desires for love versus familial expectations to marry for status or alliances. This dichotomy can dictate their choices and ultimately shape their fates, leading to either personal fulfillment or tragic consequences. The exploration of these themes highlights the intricate balance between individual agency and societal pressures.

Related terms

dowry: A transfer of parental property or wealth to the groom or his family as part of the marriage arrangement.

bigamy: The act of marrying one person while still legally married to another, which is illegal in many societies.

marital conflict: Disagreements or disputes between spouses that can arise from various sources, including differing values, expectations, and life circumstances.