The speaker in the poem “Marriage” is expressing his abhorrence with the idea of marriage. The tone used in the poem displays the imagery of hyperbole, hence, making a mockery of marriage. Throughout the poem, the poet organizes his ideas, in the same manner, displaying both advantages and disadvantages of marriage. Readers get insight into how society perceives marriage. Actually, the poet claims marriage occurs due to cultural and convenience purposes. According to the speaker, people don’t marry due to the abstract contemplation of love. In the first line, the author asks “Should I get married?” Should I be good?” (1). This implies that married people are considered “good” by society.
The poet invokes social class, particularly low and middle class, in the poem. The speaker imagines a situation where both groups are living in New York City but experiencing the city differently. This narrator hates a condition where he gets married and lives in a smelly location. However, he loves the idea of getting married and live in a penthouse. The author uses juxtaposition to describe these two situations of living conditions, thus, allowing readers to compare and contrast the marriage of poor and wealthy. Wealthy people seem to enjoy their marriage compared to poor people.
The poet alternates his thoughts to explore both positive and negative aspects of marriage. Clearly, the speaker does not approve traditional way of marriage. People should only get married to be happy but not due to the dictates of society. The traditions, norms, and conventions associated with marriage can make some people enter into a wrong courtship. As a result, this can lead to resentment and unhappiness. Therefore, people should marry to get happiness.
