... lives and their future prospects. And moreover, it is a partnership which is a result of love. In the Medieval times however things were much different. The Medieval period is widely thought of as a romantic era, with the idea of "romantic love". However, the idea of "courtly love" is also prominent in medieval society Marriage was a basic economic device of medieval society. Often there were cases of "from rags to riches", where luck lifted families from obscurity to greatness. The economic transferal that ensured the family's survival tended to take precedence over other considerations. Marriage partners were chosen to help improve the economic state of estates, farms, or businesses. Children were the key factor in managing this. In marrying off a daughter, it was the best ption when the dowry was given, to negate any debts and further one's social position. Parents normally took their initiative ...

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