Getting Married

Name: Getting Married
Author: George Bernard Shaw

The work critiques the institution of marriage, arguing that it is fraught with contradictions and societal issues. It begins by asserting that marriage is often viewed as a natural and unchangeable institution, yet it is riddled with problems stemming from outdated laws and societal expectations. The author highlights the absurdity of the marriage contract, which binds individuals to one another under the assumption of eternal love, despite the reality that relationships can change and evolve. The text discusses the various forms of marriage across cultures, emphasizing that the definition of marriage is not universal and can vary significantly. It critiques the notion of indissoluble marriage, suggesting that the inability to dissolve a marriage can lead to greater societal issues, including unhappiness and infidelity. The author argues for the necessity of reforming marriage laws to allow for easier divorce, positing that the current system perpetuates economic dependence, particularly for women, and creates a cycle of unhappiness. The work also addresses the implications of marriage on children, arguing that an unhappy marriage can be detrimental to their upbringing. It suggests that the welfare of children should be a primary consideration in divorce proceedings, advocating for a system that prioritizes their needs over the rigid enforcement of marital bonds. Furthermore, the author critiques the moral and ethical frameworks surrounding marriage, suggesting that societal norms often lead to hypocrisy and a lack of genuine understanding of human relationships. The text calls for a reevaluation of the values associated with marriage, proposing that a more honest and open approach to relationships would benefit individuals and society as a whole. In conclusion, the work advocates for a reformed understanding of marriage that recognizes the complexities of human relationships, promotes individual freedom, and prioritizes the well-being of all parties involved, particularly children. It emphasizes the need for legal and societal changes to reflect the realities of modern life, moving away from outdated notions of marriage as a fixed institution.

By George Bernard Shaw · First published 1908 · Genre: Comedy, Social Critique, Romantic Drama · 49 chapters · 30,469 words

First lines

There is no subject on which more dangerous nonsense is talked and thought than marriage. If the mischief stopped at talking and thinking it would be bad enough; but it goes further, into disastrous anarchical action. Because our marriage law is inhuman and unreasonable to the point of downright abomination, the bolder and more rebellious spirits form illicit unions, defiantly sending cards round to their friends announcing what they have done. Young women come to me and ask me whether I think they ought to consent to marry the man they have decided to live with; and they are perplexed and astonished when I, who am supposed (heaven knows why! ) to have the most advanced views attainable on the subject, urge them on no account to compromize themselves without the security of an authentic wedding ring. They cite the example of George Eliot, who formed an illicit union with Lewes. They quote a saying attributed to Nietzsche, that a married philosopher is ridiculous, though the men of their choice are not philosophers.

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Getting Married is listed on Textopian as a novel by George Bernard Shaw, dated 1908 CE.

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Work type: Novel
Author: George Bernard Shaw
Date: 1908 CE
Language: English
Genres: Comedy, Social Critique, Romantic Drama, Satire, Philosophical
Length: 30,469 words
Structure: 49 chapters, 103 paragraphs
Reading fit: Very Confusing

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Similar titles

Genres

Comedy — The play employs humor to explore the absurdities of marriage and societal expectations.
Social Critique — Shaw critiques social norms and conventions surrounding marriage and relationships.
Romantic Drama — The narrative involves romantic relationships and the complexities of love and commitment.
Satire — The work satirizes the institution of marriage and the attitudes of society towards it.