How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
We had sworn that we would stay together, that marriage was for the making of children, that God had put us together and no man could put us apart. (2.196)
Marriage in this society is less about romantic attachment and more about business alliances and the birthing of heirs. Perhaps that's one reason why people aren't so shocked about the fact that everyone is having affairs. If marriage isn't about love, people are probably going to try to find love elsewhere.
Quote #2
"Maybe we'll all end up with our wives in the end," William said quietly. (4.95)
This is an ironic line because basically no one ends up with his or her spouse in the end. Anne is executed. So is George. Mary does end up with a husband, but it's a different one from the one she was with at the beginning of the book. For a variety of reasons, marriages do not work out well in this novel.
Quote #3
"I have told him this day that such freakish sports are not fitting in one who will inherit the countries of the North and whose marriage is a matter for his father, for the king, and for me." (6.43)
The older men of the family dictate whom their daughters should marry. But so do the older men of families with sons. Henry Percy's father has the ultimate say in who his son marries. That's one way in which the (young) men and women in this novel share a similar lack of freedom and independence.