Marriage

Definition

Marriage is a social and legal contract between individuals that establishes a partnership and often entails mutual obligations, support, and companionship. In literature, particularly in the context of the English novel, marriage serves as a critical theme reflecting societal norms, individual desires, and the complexities of relationships, often highlighting issues of class, gender roles, and social expectations.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. In the late 18th and early 19th centuries, marriage was often viewed as a practical arrangement for social stability rather than solely a romantic union.
2. Jane Austen's novels frequently critique the institution of marriage by portraying various types of relationships and the consequences of marrying for love versus wealth or security.
3. Marriages in Austen's time were typically influenced by family considerations and social class, making them strategic rather than purely personal decisions.
4. Female characters in Austen's works often face societal pressure to marry well, which reflects broader themes of economic dependence and women's limited rights.
5. The novel of manners genre highlights the intricacies of social interactions surrounding marriage, emphasizing how personal choices are intertwined with societal expectations.

Review Questions

• How does Jane Austen use the theme of marriage to critique societal norms in her novels?
  • Jane Austen uses the theme of marriage to explore and critique societal norms by illustrating how characters navigate the pressures and expectations surrounding their unions. In her works, marriages are not just personal choices but also reflect class dynamics, gender roles, and economic considerations. For instance, characters who marry for love often find greater happiness compared to those who marry for financial security or social status, showcasing the tension between individual desires and societal expectations.
• What role does courtship play in shaping the marriages depicted in Jane Austen's works?
  • Courtship plays a significant role in shaping marriages in Jane Austen's novels as it sets the stage for romantic connections and societal approval. The courtship process involves various social rituals that reflect family interests and class considerations. Through this lens, Austen critiques the often transactional nature of relationships in her society, demonstrating how courtship can either reinforce or challenge existing social hierarchies based on mutual affection or material benefits.
• Evaluate how the development of the novel of manners reflects changing attitudes toward marriage in society during Austen's time.
  • The development of the novel of manners reflects changing attitudes toward marriage by capturing the complexities and nuances of social interactions that influence marital choices. As these novels emerged, they began to reveal a shift from viewing marriage strictly as a financial or social contract toward recognizing personal fulfillment and emotional connection. This evolution underscores a growing awareness of individual rights and desires within partnerships, which resonates with broader societal changes regarding gender equality and romantic love during Austen's era.

Related terms

Courtship: The period during which a couple develops a romantic relationship leading up to marriage, often involving rituals and social norms specific to their culture.

Dowry: A transfer of parental property or wealth at the marriage of a daughter, often seen as a way to secure her future and enhance the social status of both families.

Marital Norms: The expectations and rules surrounding marriage that dictate how couples should behave within their unions, influenced by cultural, religious, and societal factors.