Marriage as a Social Institution

Where it surfaces

• 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.

• XXXVIII

  Aunt Jemima's comments about Lucilla not being suited to be a poor man's wife highlight marriage as a practical, economic arrangement rather than a romantic one.

• Chapter XLII

  Marriage is discussed as a means of securing a future and social influence, with Lucilla weighing options like Mr. Ashburton or a poor man.

• XLIX

  Lucilla's internal debate centers on the practical and social advantages of marrying Mr. Ashburton, a suitable match for a woman of her position.

• Endnotes

  The engagement is discussed in terms of social approval and the protagonist's detachment from the match, highlighting marriage as a communal rather than purely personal affair.