“…she actually attempted to elope” (XVI).
In 1753, a Marriage Act was introduced that set more definitive rules establishing what constituted a marriage. The act made it extremely difficult and frowned upon for two people from different ranks to marry. It also made marriage before the age of 16 require parental approval. One method of avoiding this act was to elope to Scotland where the Marriage Act was not in effect. Frederica, Lady Susan’s daughter, attempted to elope in order to avoid an arranged marriage with someone of her mother’s choosing. Austen uses Frederica’s character to oppose the character of Lady Susan and to provide conflict between the two.
Works Cited: "The English Bride: Legal Advice." University of Michigan. 8 Dec. 2000. 16 Mar. 2009 http://www.umich.edu/~ece/student_projects/wedding_bride/legaladvice.html.
Sanborn, Vic. "Eloping During Jane Austen's Time." Weblog post. Jane Austen's World. 13 Sept. 2007. 16 Mar. 2009 http://janeaustensworld.wordpress.com/2007/09/13/eloping-in-jane-austens-day/.
Photo Credit: http://www.umich.edu/~ece/student_projects/wedding_bride/act1753.html
No comments:
Post a Comment