Marriage in Vanity FairMany of the characters in "Vanity Fair" are married from the beginning of the novel, or are engaged during the novel. Reasons for marriage vary from character to character, even within relationships. While some may have love in mind, it is the temptation of money and social status that encourages others to walk down the aisle. Outlook on marriage also depends on your position in the relationship. Mothers and fathers sometimes have more economic ideals while their children are in love, or even have no regard for each other. The novel's protagonist, Becky Sharp, laments not having a mother to whom she can leave the arduous task of finding a boyfriend. Little is said about the relationship between Becky's parents. Her father was an artist and her mother a French opera dancer. It is unlikely that, having been orphaned at a young age, Becky was strongly influenced in any way by her parents' relationship. Perhaps indirectly, she felt that because she was an orphan, her impact on society must be even more memorable and successful. Before being presented with a portrait of her friend Amelia's brother, Becky reasons with herself: "If Mr. Joseph Sedley is rich and unmarried, why shouldn't I marry him?" Although Becky sees an opportunity to join the Sedley family, initially of a certain position in society, Jos's behavior is not exemplary for a young gentleman. Before his drunken behavior in Vauxhall, he allows Becky to eat a hot chilli; an example of how he doesn't see the pursuit of marriage as a worthwhile occupation; it's not a pastime that concerns him, although he appreciates the attention Miss Sharp gives him. Sir Pitt Crawley has a similar lack of appreci...... middle of paper ...... desire for advancement in society and wealth attempts to initiate that relationship, it is Becky's similar motivations that are responsible for her relationship with Lord Steyne. He sees it as simply another step up the ladder of society. However, it is inadvertently a clue to what else Becky expects from a relationship. When Rawdon attacks Steyne on his return home, Becky admires Rawdon's physical strength. Again, this is a more material aspect of a relationship. The ideals behind marriage differ, often from one generation to the next. While parents may see an economic and social benefit, a situation like George and Amelia's causes problems when parental interference causes children to fall in love. Becky Sharp's use of marriage appears to be merely a goal of self-advancement. When a relationship ends, his regrets are based on what he lost, rather than who.