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The Radical Idea of Marrying for Love

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Submitted By cmelkington
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Running Head: The Radical Idea of Marrying for Love

Summary of: The Radical Idea of Marrying for Love
English 1102
Mrs. Charleston
February 3, 2011

In “The Radical Idea of Marrying for Love.” Stephanie Coontz describes marriage as an “institution that brings together two people.” she shares the point that “marriage should be based on intense, profound love and a couple should maintain their ardor until death do them part” (p. 378).
Coontz talks about the history behind marriage. People chose their partners based on “something as fragile and irrational as love” before they focus on their sexual, intimate, and altruistic desires. (p.378) Coontz points out that may cultures view marriage differently. Some cultures thought that being truly in love married was not capable when married. Many different societies believe that couples should not put their feeling for their spouse above certain things.
Falling in love before marriage was looked upon as insanity, corrupting of the mind. French essayists Montaigne wrote that “any man who was in love with his wife was a man so dull that no one else could love him.” (p.379) Royalty married for political reasons opposed to love.
Marriage was looked beyond intimacy and love. Lower and middle class people lived this way as well. People believed that showing affection to you wife was unseemly.” To love your wife with excessive ardor was also considered to be adulterous. Too much love and intimacy between a husband and wife was viewed and weakening their devotion to God. “Many cultures still frown on placing love at the center of marriage.” (p.380)
A common saying in early modern Europe was, “he who marries for love has good nights and bad days.” (p.381) .Today couples take on different roles as a husband and wife. “They should be best friends, sharing their most intimate feelings and secrets.” (p.381) Couples

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