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Why do lomov and Natalya want to marry each other?

Published in Marriage Motivations 2 mins read

Lomov and Natalya desire to marry each other primarily due to a combination of pragmatic reasons, social expectations, and personal assessments of suitability, rather than deep affection. Their motivations are rooted in securing their social status, wealth, and domestic stability.

Lomov's Motivations for Marriage

Ivan Lomov, a prosperous landowner, is at a critical juncture in his life where he feels the need to settle down. His decision to propose to Natalya is based on a practical evaluation of her qualities and circumstances:

  • Suitable Life Partner: He views Natalya, the daughter of his wealthy neighbor and fellow landlord Chubukov, as a highly suitable life partner. The proximity of their estates also makes the match geographically convenient.
  • Domestic Competence: Lomov specifically considers Natalya to be an excellent housekeeper, a valuable trait for managing a household and estate effectively. This quality is crucial for his domestic comfort and economic well-being.
  • Education and Appearance: He notes that she is educated and "not bad looking," which contributes to her overall appeal as a respectable and presentable wife.
  • Desire for Stability: Approaching the age of thirty-five, Lomov feels a pressing need for a stable, settled life and an heir. He seeks to avoid remaining single and views Natalya as an ideal candidate to fulfill these longings.

Natalya's Motivations for Marriage

Natalya Stepanovna, also of marriageable age, is equally pragmatic in her approach to matrimony, though her initial reactions often contradict her underlying desires:

  • Social and Age Pressure: As an unmarried woman in her mid-twenties, Natalya faces societal expectations to secure a husband. Marriage is seen as a necessary step for women of her standing.
  • Economic Security and Status: Lomov is a financially stable and respected landowner. Marrying him would ensure her continued economic security and maintain her social position within their community.
  • Father's Influence: Her father, Stepan Chubukov, actively encourages the match, recognizing the mutual benefits of uniting their families and estates.
  • Practicality Over Passion: Despite their frequent and intense quarrels, Natalya ultimately understands that Lomov represents a good, practical opportunity for marriage. When she believes he has left for good, she shows considerable distress, realizing she might have lost a suitable prospect. Her desire to marry him often outweighs their personal animosity, driven by the fear of spinsterhood.

In essence, both Lomov and Natalya seek a union that serves their individual and familial interests, prioritizing social convention, financial stability, and domestic convenience over romantic love.