Rosina tells Rufus she thought he’d have realized that he has “never been in a position to marry for love.” (p. 211). How much do you think being wealthy, famous or royal dictates who you can have a relationship with or who you can wed?
Even today in many cultures, social status and wealth play a definitive role in determining acceptable marriage partners. Where not dictated by cultural norms, I believe wealth and titles still play somewhat a role, perhaps unintentionally, as one is more likely to marry someone in one’s peer group - the people from school, from neighborhoods where one’s family lives, places where one hangs out, etc.
1 Like
I think Gabi is correct on both counts.
1 Like
Ultimately it depends on whether you accept the premise that you are responsible to save the family’s wealth and/or preserve the royal line. If you don’t, you can opt out. People have.
1 Like
That’s a good point, @Lyris. Edward VIII abdicated to marry Wallis Simpson, so you’re right, it’s been done.
This is one of the conversations that made me think of Pride & Prejudice, though where the four sisters would be destitute if at least one of them doesn’t “marry very well.”
1 Like
Rufus never intended to marry someone to further his family’s wealth or lack of. Rufus was a different person who valued other things besides wealth - his art and sharing a life with his soul mate. In this book, Rufus’ sisters “marched to a different drummer” where a future husband needed to be wealthy. I think in today’s world there is still an emphasis on marriage being about furthering wealth or prestige.
No matter what, I think many families are invested in who their children marry and most want their children to have a better life, than they did. That said, I’m not sure most families expect their children to sacrifice their lovelife to save the family. However, as others have mentioned many do care very much about religion, culture and status.
I think if impacts the wealthy more than not. I know many people who have been involved with a wealthy love and it carries a lot of stress because you are expected to change to fit into that world and you lose your identity.
I think factors like wealth, fame and status bring with them both direct and indirect expectations and opportunities. Alliances through marriage are still formed among royals, business associates and families that send their children to the “right” schools. Sometimes the alliances are quite deliberate and sometimes it’s just because these are the people they meet in their “circles.” Although it is less obvious, some families are very critical of prospective partners who have less education and/or less prestigious careers than the parents had expected. It takes a strong individual to swim against the tide of family and societal expectations.