Across books · Theme
Marriage as Transaction
Marriages are portrayed as business arrangements rather than romantic unions, with characters marrying for money, status, or convenience, and easily discarding spouses when a more advantageous match appears.
Marriage as Transaction appears as a literary theme in 9 works in the BetterReads curated set. Each book develops the idea in its own plot, voice, and historical moment — the links below open the book-scoped theme guide beside the text.
Marriages are portrayed as business arrangements rather than romantic unions, with characters marrying for money, status, or convenience, and easily discarding spouses when a more advantageous match appears.
Marriages in the novel are driven by financial and social calculation rather than love, as seen in Sir Murtagh's marriage to a Skinflint heiress, Sir Condy's toss-up between Judy McQuirk and Isabella Moneygawl, and the strategic alliances pursued for property.
Marriage is portrayed as a cynical arrangement for social or financial gain, as seen in Grimes's shotgun wedding to Flossie, Paul's engagement to Margot for her wealth, and Dr. Fagan's offer of a partnership in exchange for marrying his daughter.
Marriage is portrayed as a financial arrangement rather than a romantic union, as seen when Maida Barhyte agrees to marry Mr. Incoul out of economic necessity, and her mother pressures her to accept for financial security.
Marriages are depicted as economic and social arrangements, with characters like Lizzie seeking wealthy husbands (Lord Fawn) and others like Mrs. Carbuncle arranging matches for financial gain, rather than love.
Marriages are depicted as economic and social transactions, exemplified by Lady Caroline's miserable union with the wealthy but coarse Torrance, and the pressure on Edith to accept Lord Millefleurs for his title and connections.
In each book
Bel Ami
Marriages are portrayed as business arrangements rather than romantic unions, with characters marrying for money, status, or convenience, and easily discarding spouses when a more advantageous match appears.
Open theme guide →
Castle Rackrent
Marriages in the novel are driven by financial and social calculation rather than love, as seen in Sir Murtagh's marriage to a Skinflint heiress, Sir Condy's toss-up between Judy McQuirk and Isabella Moneygawl, and the s
Open theme guide →
Decline and Fall
Marriage is portrayed as a cynical arrangement for social or financial gain, as seen in Grimes's shotgun wedding to Flossie, Paul's engagement to Margot for her wealth, and Dr. Fagan's offer of a partnership in exchange
Open theme guide →
Mr. Incoul’s Misadventure
Marriage is portrayed as a financial arrangement rather than a romantic union, as seen when Maida Barhyte agrees to marry Mr. Incoul out of economic necessity, and her mother pressures her to accept for financial securit
Open theme guide →
The Eustace Diamonds
Marriages are depicted as economic and social arrangements, with characters like Lizzie seeking wealthy husbands (Lord Fawn) and others like Mrs. Carbuncle arranging matches for financial gain, rather than love.
Open theme guide →
The Ladies Lindores
Marriages are depicted as economic and social transactions, exemplified by Lady Caroline's miserable union with the wealthy but coarse Torrance, and the pressure on Edith to accept Lord Millefleurs for his title and conn
Open theme guide →
The Luck of Barry Lyndon
Marriage is depicted as a mercenary arrangement for financial gain and social advancement, as seen in Barry's pursuit of the wealthy Countess Lyndon and his subsequent abusive treatment of her for her fortune.
Open theme guide →
The Slaves of Paris
Marriages are portrayed as financial and social arrangements, such as Norbert's forced match with Marie de Puymandour and the Marquis de Croisenois's pursuit of an heiress, often orchestrated by Mascarin for profit.
Open theme guide →
vanity_fair
Marriage is depicted as a financial and social arrangement rather than a romantic union, with characters like Becky, Amelia, and the Crawley family treating it as a means to secure money, property, or position.
Open theme guide →