Marriage

Definition

Marriage is a social, legal, or religious union between individuals that often involves a commitment to shared life and mutual support. In literature, particularly during the late-17th to mid-19th century, marriage serves as a crucial plot device and a lens through which societal norms, gender roles, and personal aspirations are explored, often reflecting the tensions between individual desires and social expectations.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. In Restoration comedies, marriage is often portrayed as a strategic alliance rather than a romantic bond, highlighting societal pressures and individual desires.
2. Major works from the 18th and 19th centuries frequently critique the institution of marriage, questioning its role in women's autonomy and social mobility.
3. The concept of 'love matches' became more prevalent during this period, contrasting with earlier practices where marriages were often arranged for political or economic reasons.
4. Irony plays a significant role in Austen's works, where characters often navigate the complexities of love and societal expectations in their pursuit of marriage.
5. The portrayal of marriage evolves from mere economic transactions to a more nuanced exploration of personal fulfillment and companionship in literature from this era.

Review Questions

• How do Restoration comedies portray the concept of marriage, and what does this reveal about societal norms of the time?
  • Restoration comedies typically depict marriage as a tactical arrangement rather than a union based on love. Characters often enter into marriages for financial security or social advancement, which reflects the societal norms that prioritize status over personal happiness. This portrayal exposes the underlying tensions between individual desires for love and the external pressures to conform to societal expectations regarding marriage.
• Discuss how major works from the late-17th to mid-19th century address the theme of women's autonomy within the institution of marriage.
  • Many major works from this period examine the limitations placed on women by traditional marriage. Authors highlight the struggles women face in seeking autonomy, often illustrating how marriage can restrict their freedom and reinforce patriarchal structures. Through their narratives, these works critique the societal expectations that confine women to roles defined solely by their marital status, advocating for greater personal agency and independence.
• Evaluate how Austen's use of irony enhances her social critique of marriage in her novels.
  • Austen employs irony masterfully to critique the institution of marriage within her novels. By juxtaposing characters’ genuine emotional experiences against societal pressures and expectations, she reveals the absurdities surrounding courtship and matrimonial arrangements. This irony not only highlights the conflicts between personal desires and societal conventions but also encourages readers to question the legitimacy of these social constructs, ultimately promoting a more progressive view on love and partnership.

Related terms

Courtship: The period during which a couple develops a romantic relationship with the intent of marriage, often marked by specific social customs and rituals.

Dowry: A transfer of parental property or wealth to the groom or his family as part of the marriage arrangement, reflecting economic considerations in marriage practices.

Social Status: The position or rank of a person within society, often influencing marriage prospects and choices based on wealth, family background, and reputation.