The sense and sensibility by Jane Austen, had reflect the courtship, marriage and

divorce in British society in the late 18th century. Since that time, courtship was considered

more as a kind of progress in life rather than a romantic interlude for young men because

of the fact that all women's properties and belongings passed directly to their husband’s

hands. In this respect, courtship was seriously taken by both parts. Courtship was carried

out according to different steps. First of all, the couple went for a walk, always

accompanied by someone. Then, the relationship was identified and then mutual attraction

was demonstrated by both parts. About marriage, it was the basic unit of social

organization for England in the late eighteenth and early nineteenth century. Marriage was

often seen as a means of creating new political and social ties for the families of the person

who engaged. The events were recognized by all as a community affair and the entire

proceedings were regarded as public drama. Marriage, the lawful union of a man and a

woman, was used as a tool for the distribution of inheritance and facilitation of

reproduction. There was incredible stigma attached to a single woman who did not marry.

They were considered to be failed woman and they often became a financial burden upon

their family. Though it was not as frowned upon for a man to remain single, bachelors had

to pay double taxes on each of his servants (Olsen 425-6). Last since that period, divorces

were passed by parliament (“Relationships”). Divorce included the ability to get remarried,

but was only granted for female adultery or male adultery compounded with life-

threatening cruelty. Many women may have chosen not to petition for divorce for fear of

publicity and the loss of their children. Even the initiation of divorce was very expensive, so

only the rich were able to afford to go through the process. Courtship, marriage and divorce

were three very important practices in eighteenth century and early nineteenth century

England. These processes did not just involve a man and a woman, but the entire family,

and even the society, was affected by the union of a man and a woman. These were very

intricate traditions and defined the roles of men and women in society.