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 nineteenth century, Austen can be considered 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 is always shown from the woman's point of view. Marriage, at that time, is not about love but about social standards. Lack of choice is one of the factors why women married in Jane Austen's time. Women had no education. They learned only basic responsibilities. Girls were taught that they should get married and have children when they got older. Education is received at home, parents only teach them domestic tasks and how to become wives and nothing else. A woman was not expected to work unless she was poor and had no choice. If she didn't marry, she could work as a housekeeper or lady-in-waiting. So, due to lack of education, women have to find a husband to support them. These social and financial pressures lead women to marry. The parents were looking for a man who had a title and could advance the family's social status. Daughters' marriages were used to secure family affairs, increase wealth, and increase status. It was as if women were objects that could be bought and sold. If a woman were engaged and broke off the relationship she would risk living the rest of her life as a spinster and losing her social position. Marriage was as complicated back then as it is today. There were many social rules that dictated how a wedding should play out and it was the ultimate goal of every young woman. When they were 18, marriage was a priority for them. There were some rules regarding marriage. For example, that marriage was encouraged to be with someone of the same class, or that a woman should have a dowry provided by the family, etc. Only a few marriages began with love. Emma has a dowry of £30,000. They were obviously a great match, which is why Mr. Elton wanted to court her and why Emma considers the courtship an insult.