Arranged marriages

Definition

Arranged marriages are unions where the families, rather than the individuals, play a significant role in selecting the marriage partners. This practice often reflects cultural traditions and societal norms, emphasizing family alliances and social status over romantic love. In many East Asian contexts, arranged marriages have been pivotal in maintaining family lineage and continuity, affecting character relationships and plot developments in classical literature.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Arranged marriages are common in various cultures, often seen as a way to strengthen family ties and create alliances.
2. In many classical Chinese novels, arranged marriages drive character motivations and conflicts, showcasing the tension between personal desires and family obligations.
3. While arranged marriages can involve parental approval, some may include an element of choice for the individuals involved, leading to varying degrees of consent.
4. The portrayal of arranged marriages in literature often critiques or reinforces societal expectations, highlighting themes of duty versus love.
5. Despite modern changes, arranged marriages still exist today, evolving to include more personal choice while retaining traditional elements.

Review Questions

• How do arranged marriages influence character relationships in classical Chinese novels?
  • Arranged marriages significantly influence character relationships by creating conflicts between personal desires and family expectations. Characters often struggle with their feelings toward their arranged partners versus their longing for romantic love. This tension is used to explore deeper themes of duty, loyalty, and societal norms within the narrative.
• Analyze the role of filial piety in shaping attitudes towards arranged marriages in classical literature.
  • Filial piety serves as a guiding principle that emphasizes respect for parental authority and familial obligations, deeply impacting attitudes towards arranged marriages. In many narratives, characters feel compelled to comply with their families' wishes regarding marriage arrangements as a means of honoring their parents. This reflects broader societal values that prioritize family honor over individual preference, creating rich themes for analysis in literature.
• Evaluate the evolution of arranged marriages in contemporary society compared to their representation in classical Chinese novels.
  • Contemporary arranged marriages often incorporate elements of personal choice alongside traditional practices, reflecting changes in societal values around love and partnership. In contrast to classical Chinese novels where characters may be entirely bound by familial decisions, modern practices may allow for greater individual agency. Evaluating this evolution highlights shifts in cultural norms regarding marriage and emphasizes ongoing tensions between tradition and modernity within narratives.

Related terms

Dowry: A transfer of parental property or wealth to the groom's family as part of the marriage arrangement, often seen as a means to secure a good match.

Filial Piety:

A Confucian virtue emphasizing respect for one's parents and ancestors, deeply influencing attitudes toward arranged marriages and familial obligations.

Matchmaker: An individual, often a family member or a professional, who facilitates the arrangement of marriages by evaluating compatibility and negotiating terms between families.