Emma by Jane Austen belongs to a period of English history known as the Regency (1811-1820). But as a literary figure writing in the early 19th century, Austen can be seen as a descendant of the Age of Reason. It was a time of economic revolt, political unrest and change. Marriage is a main theme in almost all of Jane Austen's works and it is always shown from the woman's point of view. In this era, marriage is not about love but about social norms. Lack of choice is one of the factors why women married in Jane Austen's era. Women had no education. They only learned basic responsibilities. Young girls were taught that they should marry and have children when they were older. Education is done at home, parents only teach them domestic chores and how to become a wife and nothing else. A woman is not expected to work if she is not poor and has no choice. If she did not marry, she could work as a governess or companion. So, due to lack of education, women have to find a husband to support them. These social and financial pressures push women to marry. Parents were looking for a man who had a title and could advance the family's social status. Daughter marriages were used to secure family business deals, increase wealth, and elevate status. It was as if women were objects that could be bought and sold. If a woman was engaged and broke her contract, she risked living the rest of her life as a spinster and losing her social position. Marriage was as complicated then as it is today. There were many social rules dictating how a marriage should take place and this was the ultimate goal of every young woman. At 18, marriage was a priority for them. There were a few rules regarding marriage. For example, marriage was encouraged with someone of the same social class, or the woman had to have a dowry that the family provided, etc. Only a few marriages began with love. Emma has a dowry of £30,000. Of course, she was a great partner, which is why Mr. Elton wanted to court her and why Emma considers courtship an insult..