Marriage à la mode

Definition

Marriage à la mode is a term that refers to a fashionable or trendy marriage, often implying a union based more on social status and economic advantage than on love or affection. This concept often critiques the societal norms surrounding marriage in the late 17th to mid-19th century, especially through the lens of satire and social commentary. It highlights how marriages were often arranged for financial gain or prestige, rather than genuine connection, reflecting broader themes in literature during this period.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The term 'marriage à la mode' gained popularity during the Restoration period in England when playwrights like John Dryden began to critique societal norms through their works.
2. John Dryden's plays often showcased the tension between personal desire and societal expectations, particularly in marriage.
3. The concept suggests that many marriages during this period were transactions rather than romantic unions, reflecting the economic realities of the time.
4. Marriage à la mode serves as a lens through which characters navigate their relationships, revealing the hypocrisy of social norms surrounding love and marriage.
5. This term also relates to the rise of individualism in literature, where characters increasingly sought personal fulfillment despite societal pressures.

Review Questions

• How does the concept of marriage à la mode reflect societal values in John Dryden's works?
  • Marriage à la mode illustrates how Dryden critiques the societal values surrounding marriage by portraying unions that prioritize social status and financial gain over genuine affection. His characters often grapple with societal expectations versus personal desires, revealing the inherent contradictions within these fashionable marriages. Through his satirical approach, Dryden emphasizes the absurdity of such arrangements and invites audiences to question the integrity of relationships built on convenience rather than love.
• In what ways does satire play a role in shaping the narrative around marriage à la mode in Restoration literature?
  • Satire is a critical tool used by authors like Dryden to expose the superficiality and absurdities of marriage à la mode. By employing wit and humor, these writers highlight the flaws in societal norms that prioritize wealth and status over emotional connection. This comedic critique not only entertains but also provokes thought about the true nature of love and relationships during this era, challenging readers to reconsider their views on marital conventions.
• Evaluate the significance of marriage à la mode in understanding the evolution of individualism in literature from the late 17th to mid-19th century.
  • Marriage à la mode plays a significant role in showcasing the shift towards individualism in literature as it exposes characters' struggles between societal expectations and their personal desires. As authors like Dryden crafted narratives that highlighted these conflicts, they paved the way for later works that further explored themes of self-identity and autonomy. This evolution marks a departure from traditional depictions of marriage as purely transactional, allowing for more nuanced portrayals of love that consider individual agency and emotional fulfillment.

Related terms

Satire: A literary genre that uses humor, irony, and exaggeration to criticize or mock societal norms and human behavior.

Restoration Comedy: A genre of English comedy that emerged in the late 17th century, characterized by witty dialogue, sexual innuendo, and the exploration of social class.

Social Commentary: The act of using rhetorical means to provide commentary on issues in society, often found in literature, art, and other forms of expression.