Has attitude towards the family changed since the first part of the twentieth century?
The film as well as the readings shows that the role has hardly changed as people romanticize family life which is believed to be based on love. In reality, no one knew in the twentieth century (and still we do not know) what makes people marry and live together.
What is an ideal marriage for Wally Winthrop and/or any other representative of the western culture?
Wally is likely to see an ideal marriage as a union of two devoted people who are successful in the society and who show respect and warm feelings top each other. Any representative of the western culture has a similar viewpoint on marriage.
How is marriage seen in the twenty-first century?
According to the readings, marriage was based on political, economic or social factors until the nineteenth century but love (as the central factor) appeared in the 19th or 20th century. Now, it is possible to state that love has become one of the factors (not decisive).
Does marriage change? Do spouses’ feelings or attitude towards each other change?
There is certain evolution of marriage as people first love each other and they are very passionate. However, in the course of time, people feelings tend to change and they become partners, companions or even enemies.
Why do people try to create an image of a successful marriage even though they have serious issues?
It is necessary to admit that marriage is often seen as a kind of venture and a family can be regarded as an organization. Of course, people would hate to admit they are unsuccessful in any venture. Hence, they often pretend to be happy in order to hide their inability to be successful in this sphere.
Why were the two couples (shown in the film) childless?
Now people are persistently talking about motherhood ‘urge’ which is a myth. At present, people believe that the need to have children is developed by the society and there is no biological ‘urge’. The two couples simply did not follow existing societal conventions.
Can a child (children) bring meaning to the marriage?
The film shows that marriages without children are quite unhappy but it does not prove that those who have kids are happier or more satisfied with their lives. However, in the real life, it is possible to see many couples who seem happy or understand why they are together as their children become the reason to live together.
Are childless couples doomed to be unhappy?
Some researchers note that having children in marriage is seen as norm and, hence, all people strive for it. This makes them feel they accomplished an important mission and this can make couples more satisfied with their life.
Could motherhood ‘urge’ make Wally Winthrop seek happiness in the royal family’s life.
It is possible as Wally was rather unhappy and dissatisfied and this could be caused by the urge. The woman could strive for having children and this urge transformed in the search of the meaning in other people’s life.
What is the role of religion in marriage and attitude towards it?
While watching the film, it is possible to assume that the two couples are not that religious as they focus on their life within the society. Some may say that if those people were more religious, they could have stronger marriages. Though, the readings show that religion does not necessarily contribute to development of an ideal marriage as seen by western people as love to each other is not central to it.