Arranged marriages

Definition

Arranged marriages refer to marital unions where the families, often parents, play a significant role in selecting the partners, rather than the individuals marrying for love or personal choice. This practice highlights cultural traditions and family alliances, often prioritizing social status, economic benefits, or political ties over individual preferences. In various contexts, arranged marriages can also reflect themes of power dynamics, gender roles, and societal expectations.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. In 'The Taming of the Shrew', the concept of arranged marriages is illustrated through the character of Bianca, who is desired by many suitors but cannot marry until her elder sister Katherina is wed.
2. Arranged marriages in literature often serve to critique or highlight societal norms, particularly regarding women's autonomy and the pressures exerted by family expectations.
3. In 'Romeo and Juliet', the Capulet and Montague families embody traditional values around arranged marriages as they prioritize family loyalty and alliances over personal happiness.
4. The tension between love and duty in arranged marriages is a central theme in both plays, illustrating the conflict between individual desires and societal obligations.
5. In many cultures depicted in these works, arranged marriages are not only about love but also about economic stability, making them an important part of familial duty.

Review Questions

• How do arranged marriages shape the relationships between characters in 'The Taming of the Shrew'?
  • In 'The Taming of the Shrew', arranged marriages significantly shape character dynamics, especially concerning Katherina and Bianca. The pressure on Katherina to marry first creates tension within their family and highlights societal expectations. This dynamic influences Katherina's character development as she navigates her own desires against familial obligations.
• Compare and contrast how arranged marriages are portrayed in 'The Taming of the Shrew' versus 'Romeo and Juliet'.
  • In 'The Taming of the Shrew', arranged marriages serve to illustrate traditional gender roles and family control over personal choices, particularly seen through Katherina's forced marriage to Petruchio. Conversely, in 'Romeo and Juliet', arranged marriages are depicted more as a source of conflict that drives the plot forward, emphasizing the tragic consequences when personal love clashes with familial duty. Both plays reveal how societal pressures influence personal relationships but differ in their narrative outcomes.
• Evaluate the cultural significance of arranged marriages in both plays and their impact on contemporary views regarding marriage.
  • The cultural significance of arranged marriages in both 'The Taming of the Shrew' and 'Romeo and Juliet' reflects historical values that prioritize family over individual choice. These portrayals critique societal norms that limit personal freedom and autonomy, encouraging audiences to reflect on contemporary views around marriage. The tension between love and obligation presented in these works prompts discussions about evolving definitions of marriage today, including concepts of romantic love versus familial loyalty.

Related terms

Dowry: A transfer of parental property, wealth, or goods given to the groom and his family as part of the marriage arrangement.

Patriarchy:

A social system in which men hold primary power, influencing the dynamics of arranged marriages and the roles of women within them.

Cultural Assimilation:

The process by which individuals or groups adopt the culture of another group, which can impact the practices and perceptions surrounding arranged marriages.