The Institution of Marriage

Marriage during Shakespeare's time was primarily regarded as a social contract rather than a union based on love.  It was often a means to consolidate wealth, forge alliances, and secure social status.  Marriages were typically arranged, with the consent of parents and guardians playing a significant role.  Love within marriage was seen as a desirable but secondary consideration.  Shakespeare masterfully portrayed the complexities of marital relationships, highlighting themes of fidelity, jealousy, and the consequences of mismatched unions in plays such as Othello and The Taming of the Shrew.