Miss Marjoribanks · Question
How does Miss Marjoribanks develop the theme of Marriage as a Social Institution?
Answer
Miss Marjoribanks by Margaret Oliphant develops Marriage as a Social Institution across the chapters the companion marks for this theme.
Marriage is portrayed less as a romantic union and more as a practical arrangement for social advancement, with Lucilla weighing suitors like Mr. Cavendish and Tom Marjoribanks based on their utility to her ambitions.
Mrs. Chiley discusses Mr. Cavendish as a suitable match for Lucilla, and Lucilla's nightmare about being married to Tom instead of the MP underscores marriage as a strategic social alliance.
Mary Chiley's envy and Mrs. Woodburn's scrutiny highlight marriage as a social and strategic institution.
The interrupted proposal and Lucilla's calculated approach to marriage as a duty rather than a romantic pursuit underscore marriage's role as a social contract.
Evidence in the book
- Chapter VIII
Mrs. Chiley discusses Mr. Cavendish as a suitable match for Lucilla, and Lucilla's nightmare about being married to Tom instead of the MP underscores marriage as a strategic social alliance.
- Chapter XI
Mary Chiley's envy and Mrs. Woodburn's scrutiny highlight marriage as a social and strategic institution.
- XIX
The interrupted proposal and Lucilla's calculated approach to marriage as a duty rather than a romantic pursuit underscore marriage's role as a social contract.
- Chapter XX
Mrs. Woodburn advocates marriage to Lucilla as a strategic move for political and social security, not love.
- XXI
Marriage is portrayed as a strategic alliance of interests and social standing, rather than purely romantic; Lucilla and Dr. Marjoribanks discuss Cavendish's suitability as a husband.
- Chapter XXIII
Lucilla's plan to engineer a marriage between the Archdeacon and Mrs. Mortimer underscores marriage as a social resolution and goal.
- XXXI
The chapter revolves around the marriages of the Archdeacon and Mr. Cavendish, highlighting marriage as a social arrangement that affects status and community dynamics.
- Chapter XXXIV
Marriage is discussed as a social arrangement, with Lucilla advising Mr. Cavendish to marry Barbara Lake for practical reasons.
