The Marriage Market and Jane Austen A look

The “Marriage Market” and Jane Austen: A look at marital social class structure in Regency England By: Kristi Cagle

Persuasion’s Analysis of Marriage Persuasion shows us a glimpse into the lives of a few families living in a small town, and love trying to find a route between Anne and Wentworth, at first quashed by her friends and family due to his lack of fortune and position in society. Ten years later, after made a captain in the Navy, those thoughts about his eligibility were completely changed.

Persuasion’s Analysis of Marriage continued Anne’s cousin, Mr. is another example of the politics of marriage. He saw the change of losing the baronetage to a future son if Mrs. was allowed to stay close to the family for much longer. It seems that only when Anne married Captain Wentworth was there any marriage that beheld romantic love in it throughout the book.

Bad Marriages in Persuasion The worst arrangement is that of Anne’s sister, Mary, who is married to Charles Musgrove. Neither of these two love each other and are more interested in selfish pursuits. Mary is a hypochondriac who loves having an affliction. Charles loves to hunt and be “with the guys” rather than taking care of his household.

What is the “Marriage Market”? The Marriage Market is the amount and quality of young men and women in one’s surroundings that are eligible to be married. As the name suggests, one must “shop around” for the ideal partner, out of the select few that are available (Though, traveling to London and Bath did present quite a few more acquaintances in which to chose from).

Marriage Market in London was great to meet new people. The “season” brought all the gentry and aristocracy into town. Parliament opening was start of the “season”.

Marriage Market in Bath The Pump Room was famous as a place to see and be seen, and make new acquaintances through people one would have already known. People were introduced into the Bath society by signing their name in the Pump Room, letting others know they were in town.

What To Do With Second Sons? Send them to the Army with a paid commission. Send them into the Navy. Have them join the Church.

Was “Romantic” Love As To Capture as Jane Austen Portrayed? As “difficult” as Anne had it finally recapturing her Captain Wentworth, it is easy to accept that due to his rise in “class” his acceptability as Anne’s husband completely turned around. But it could be argued that due to his fairly easy rise to favor, her endeavor in loving him isn’t as difficult as if he were a field hand.