# Marriage as a Social Institution in Miss Marjoribanks

> Theme guide for Miss Marjoribanks by Margaret Oliphant.

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.

## Where it surfaces

- [Chapter VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/miss_marjoribanks_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/miss_marjoribanks_se/chapters/xi): Mary Chiley's envy and Mrs. Woodburn's scrutiny highlight marriage as a social and strategic institution.
- [XIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/miss_marjoribanks_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/miss_marjoribanks_se/chapters/xx): Mrs. Woodburn advocates marriage to Lucilla as a strategic move for political and social security, not love.
- [XXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/miss_marjoribanks_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/miss_marjoribanks_se/chapters/xxiii): Lucilla's plan to engineer a marriage between the Archdeacon and Mrs. Mortimer underscores marriage as a social resolution and goal.
- [XXXI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/miss_marjoribanks_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/miss_marjoribanks_se/chapters/xxxiv): Marriage is discussed as a social arrangement, with Lucilla advising Mr. Cavendish to marry Barbara Lake for practical reasons.
- [XXXVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/miss_marjoribanks_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/miss_marjoribanks_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/miss_marjoribanks_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/miss_marjoribanks_se/chapters/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.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/miss_marjoribanks_se/themes/marriage_as_institution
- Themes index: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/miss_marjoribanks_se/themes