Daniel Deronda Marriage Quotes

How we cite our quotes: Citations follow this format: (Chapter.Paragraph)

Quote #7

"I quite agree. Most things are bores," said Grandcourt, his mind having been pushed into an easy current, away from its intended track. But after a moment's pause he continued in his broken, refined drawl—

"But a woman can be married."

"Some women can." (13.39-41)

Oh, Gwendolen. There she goes again, playing hard to get. Sometimes it's hard to tell whether she acts so anti-marriage because she doesn't want to marry, or because she enjoys the power rush she gets by telling other people that she doesn't care if she gets married or not.

Quote #8

"My dear Gwendolen," [Mr. Gascoigne] said, rising also, and speaking with benignant gravity, "I trust that you will find in marriage a new fountain of duty and affection. Marriage is the only true and satisfactory sphere of a woman, and if your marriage with Mr. Grandcourt should be happily decided upon, you will have probably an increasing power, both of rank and wealth, which may be used for the benefit of others. These considerations are something higher than romance." (13.102)

It isn't hard to tell which decision Mr. Gascoigne wants Gwendolen to make, is it? He really tries to make both marriage to Grandcourt and marriage in general sound as awesome as possible.

Quote #9

"It is useless to discuss the question," said Mrs. Arrowpoint. "We shall never consent to the marriage. If Catherine disobeys us we shall disinherit her. You will not marry her fortune. It is right you should know that."

"Madam, her fortune has been the only thing I have had to regret about her." (22.92-93)

Marriage isn't just about hearts and flowers; it's also about transferring wealth. Catherine's parents really don't want her to marry Klesmer, and so they try to withhold her inheritance from her. This action suggests that they think he's marrying her for social position instead of love. Luckily, Klesmer actually does care about Catherine.