Arranged Marriages Back in the Italian Renaissance, love was rare and the choice of marriage was not to be heard of. Marrying someone you knew was a privilege and it was all because of arranged marriages. In the late 13th century till early 1600’s Arranged marriages were contrived for many reasons, most commonly all decided by the same people and alongside all the many good reasons to have them, there were downsides that followed. Marriages were not determined by the couple getting married in the Italian renaissance and that was just how it was then. The vindication behind arranged marriages was for these three reasons: to build an alliance, personal gain, and to be more stable and secure. Marriage wasn’t just there for love and for family, it was there to help keep the, “...network of alliances that underlay a family’s prosperity and prospects and that, in turn, formed the fabric of loyalties, affection, and …show more content…
Often marriages like this are also done to benefit the bride’s family both politically and socially (Anderson). Intentions being, not necessarily for the well being of the son and daughter, but more for the gain of money and status. Yet, most believed then that, “...arranged marriage [was] a good idea, it guarantees a partner for them, it is more stable and secure than a love marriage...” (“The Pros and Cons of Arranged Marriage”). In some circumstances this worked, others not so much, but back then it was tradition and just had to be accepted. In almost all families, the father was the decision maker of everything and the mother was to do her duties and look after the kids and home. When it came to marriage, it was way different than now. “One difference is that marriage in the renaissance was often not built on love but would be arranged by the families,” Anderson states. It all starts with the family, and then the negotiating process
Bill Cosby once said that, “For two people in a marriage to live together day after day is unquestionably the one miracle the Vatican has overlooked.” J.J. Lewis (1995-2009) This famous comedian could not have been more correct when recognizing that every marriage will face a multiple number of challenges and is often difficult. Couples, once married, must find a way to end any struggles in order for the marriage to be successful. Marital traditions have changed greatly over the centuries and due to this, the opinion of what an ‘ideal marriage” consists of has changed as well. When reviewing the document “On Love and Marriage” the author (a Merchant of Paris) believes that marriage should not be an equal partnership, but one that pleases the husband to avoid conflict. This can be clearly seen through an examination of: the social, and political environment of the late fourteenth century, and the merchant’s opinions on the area of obedience to a husband, and how to avoid infidelity.
Throughout history, especially in the fifteenth century, it was extremely rare for a woman to choose her husband. The majority of marriages were planned by the head of the household, which was usually the father of the bride or groom. The purposes of these marriages were to gain power and social standings. This in turn also provided the chance for the heirs of the marriages to have possession of power, territory/land, and a set social standard for the family for all future heirs. This was more of a benefit for the men than the women, for the men could own territories and be the head of the household, women could not. Instead, a woman’s obligation was to fulfill their family’s jurisdiction in their future.
Men saw marriage as a way to get rich; love didn’t even enter the equation. Padua is a rich area and therefore many suitors fled there in the hope of becoming wealthy. “I come to wive it wealthily in Padua,” says Petruchio. He asks outright, “Then tell me – if I get your daughter’s love, what dowry shall I have with her to wife?” (Page 37, act 2 scene 1, line 119-120) The husbands were given a dowry by the father of the daughter when they became married. Women didn’t have any say in who they chose to marry; instead the decision was given to the father. If a daughter was not married then they were looked shoddily upon within the society. In this era every woman was to be married otherwise they were frowned upon within the community. Further more without Katherina getting married, Bianca would also never marry. Within a family the eldest daughter must be married off first and in this play turned out to be a bonus. “Her father keeps from all access of suitors and will not promise her to any man until her elder sister first be wed.” This is the main an...
When looking for a wife for her son, Alessandra Strozzi wanted the family to have a good reputation and the bride to be skilled and able to handle children. She briefly mentioned attractiveness as well as the girl’s literacy and involvement in the arts. In Strozzi’s case, she had the disadvantage of having to find someone who would take her son even as he was in exile. Filippo would have an arranged marriage that would help the Strozzis carry on their family name and status.
In the late 1800’s through early 1900’s women and men were did not “tie the knot” like the women and men do in today’s day. In today’s world, women and men get married because they have many things in common, they are in love with each other, and they choose to get married to one another. In many stories written back then, readers can expect to read about how marriages were arranged and how many people were not having the wedded bliss marriage proclaims today.
Through history, the period of the fifteenth century, a woman choosing her husband was extremely rare. The majority of marriages was planned by the head of the household, usually that father of the bride or groom. The course of the marriage is to gain power and social standards. Also provides the chance for the heir of the marriage would have in possession the power, the territory, and the social standard for the family for next future heirs to come. This benefit more for the men than the women, for men can own territories and be the head of the household, women cannot. Instead, a woman’s obligation is to fulfill their family’s jurisdiction in their future.
In the subject of marriage a woman’s main purpose is to conceive children and remain as a “property” of her husband (Suite101 1). A woman’s marriage is mostly based on her dowry and wealth. If a woman owns a high dowry, most likely she would marry a man of a high status; a woman who lacks a proper dowry would in turn marry a man of a lower status. Consequently, marriage during the Renaissance is generally based on prosperity rather than the love between couples (Essay911). A dowry is like a “ticket” for a marriage because without a dowry it is almost impossible for a woman to obtain a husband. When a couple confirms a dowry the husband sends a receipt to the wife’s parents in order to finalize their marriage. This symbolizes the bride as a purchase or a product that can be bought in...
Gualtieri, a young Italian marquis, was pressured by his servants to marry. His subjects were in fear that there would not be an heir to maintain the stability of their state. Gualtieri agrees to marry, but makes it clear to his subjects that he will he will find his own wife. The marquis makes his people promise that they will not question him nor criticize his choice for a wife. “My friends, since you still persist in wanting me to take a wife; I am prepared to do it, not because I have any desires to marry, but rather in order to gratify your wishes. You will recall the promise you gave me, that no matter whom I should choose; you would rest content and honour her as your lady”, (Boccaccio 164).
Treggiari, Susan. Roman Marriage: Iusti Coniuges From the Time of Cicero to the Time of Ulpian. Oxford: Clarendon, 1991. Print.
So the development of Renaissance literature occurred in parallel with the development of social and cultural features. Furthermore, literacy and life always exchanged influences, so to better understand marriage and love in Renaissance, the most pertinent mean would be to study Shakespeare's plays and comedies. Indeed, his period marked a time where marriage was an important aspect of people's life and Shakespeare managed to depict the important elements of marriage: the ancient and material elements but above all, love and relationship that developed between men and women.
In the medieval, the arranged marriage which is a type of marital union where the bride and groom are selected by a third party rather than by themselves seems to be a norm worldwide. This sort of marriage is ludicrous especially in the contemporary society, however, it gradually tends to be set up by modern individuals' parents or marriage agency excluding the royal and aristocratic clans and numerous in underdeveloped countries. Although this marriage sounds ridiculous and against the human rights, it absolutely bears some merits catering to the modern lifestyle and relationship pattern.
Many women in this period would engage in “arranged” marriages which were widely accepted and indeed, one of the most practiced forms of marrying at this time. Usually a marriage of convenience rather...
During the renaissance family played a crucial role for women. Parents, often to strengthen business and to tighten family bonds arranged many marriages. The male figure was the head of the family. He had authority over everyone. He was in charge and managed of all legal and finical problems. The woman managed only the household. Due to the arranged marriages, women had no emotional feelings for their husbands, which led to temptations. Women were sometimes killed for having an affair, where as men were aloud to have a mistress. Most women family life was their only destiny.
Marriage is a “socially recognized and approved union between individuals, who commit to one another with the expectations of a stable and lasting intimate relationship. It begins with a ceremony known as a wedding which formally unites marriage partners. A marital relationship usually involves some kind of contract, either written or specified by tradition, which defines the partners’ rights and obligations to each other, to any children they may have, and to their relatives. In most contemporary industrialized societies, marriage is certified by the government,” (Skolnick, 2005). Marriage is also an important institution because of the impact it has on society. Marriage is the main way that reproduction of human life occurs. In some societies it is tradition for family heirlooms or things of value be passed on through marriage. Marriage also serves as a healthy way to have intimate relationships with an individual. In most places a marriage exists between two people of the opposite sex. However, the legal definition of marriage is currently being challenged by many. According to Skolnick’s article a marriage can be defined by responsibilities that a couple would share, some examples are: living together, having sexual relations, sharing money and financial responsibilities, and having a child together. The issue is that homosexual couples can do these things like heterosexual couples.
Arranged Marriage In general, arranged marriage has provided people with fundamental principles about the importance of marriage and how a person can find happiness. Arranged marriage defines marriage between a man and a woman, which arranged by the couple's parents and relatives based on family ties and traditions. Although marriage is described as the oldest and enduring human institution, the reasons for marrying have differed from culture to culture. In common circumstances, cultural, religious, economic, age, educational level, and racial factors play a role in determining who the person can marry and the form of marriage. Some statistics find that the rate of divorce is low in arranged marriages and high in love marriages.