Courtship and Marriage Courtship and Marriage in Twelfth Night, Pride and Prejudice, and High Fidelity The idea of courtship and marriage throughout history has had defining points that have led to today's views over the matter. In the three books we have read: first being, Shakespeare's Twelfth Night; second being Jane Austin's, Pride and Prejudice and the third; Nick Hornby's, High Fidelity, are all historical steps that define marriage and courtship today and how it got there.
In Shakespeare's Twelfth Night, women are limited to whom they can marry. Even powerful women can't seek their own love rather supposed to love the man they marry. The idea of women and men as non-equals plays an important part in defining courtship and marriage in Shakespeare day and age. Toby says, "She'll none o' th' Count. She'll not match above her degree, neither in estate, years, nor wit. I have heard her swear "ÃÂt.
Jane Austen, Watercolour and pencil portrait by he...
English: Back View of Jane Austen, Watercolor
English: Français : Une gravure de 1833 illustran...Tut, there's life in "ÃÂt, man."� (pg. 21) Toby is talking about Olivia in this quote and revealing she doesn't want to marry anyone more powerful than she is. Olivia feels this way because if she does her role in society and in her home will be decreased. Shakespeare defines marriage and courtship as women were treated in those times, more of a possession that a man acquired. The role of women did not make a big impact on men because women were not supposed to act in a way that might be like present day women, forward. Women were supposed to obey the rules of society at that time. Olivia says, "Give me leave, beseech you. I did send, after the last enchantment you did here, a ring in chase of you. So did I abuse myself, my servant, and, I fear me, you. Under your...