Marriage

Marriage

" You see," Said Berg to his comrade, whom he called "friend" only because he knew that everyone has friends, "you see, I have considered it all, and should not marry if I had not thought it all out or if it were in any for-- I have arranged that rent for them in the Baltic provinces-- and I can live in Petersburg on my pa, and with her fortune and my good management we can get along nicely. I am not marrying for money-- I consider that dishonorable-- But a wife should bring her share and a husband his. I have my position in the service, she has connections and some means. In our times that is worth something, isn't it? But above all, she is a handsome, estimable girl, and she loves me."

P. 393

 Although Berg is the one speaking, I wanted to evaluate the reasons for marriage in the book. In particular, I wanted to point to Pierre's heartbreak and disgust, as he finds out his wife has not been loyal to him. In the early 19th Century Russia, we see the reasons for marriage to be flawed, and perhaps not valid. We see hopes for a grand life, but when it comes down to it, disappointment is the common feeling. Andrew, whose wife dies in labor, is left in book 5 and 6 with a cold heart, and feeling pretty miserable. According to Berg, he married not for money, but for connections, beauty, and love... Where might have other characters gone wrong in their view of love, and their view on life? It seems that these men have great intentions and great expectations of their life, but seem to be let down in the end. The blindness that Pierre shows when choosing his wife could possibly point out some flaws that males have. Particulary in the pursuit of a mate that will actual love him. It seems that marriage is out of practicality, instead of passion. Why are these men, in particular Pierre, so delusional and wrapped up in something that inevitably might fail?