Marriage

Susan Edmonstone Ferrier was born in Edinburgh, Scotland in 1782. Ferrier published three novels anonymously. Her first novel, Marriage, was written in 1818. Six years later she wrote The Inheritance and Destiny was written in 1831. She writing is most notable for it's sardonic wit. Marriage is the story of a woman's struggle with courtship and parental authority. Adelaide and Maria are twin sisters. Maria was reared by her aunt in Scotland. She has good judgment and learns from her experiences. Adelaide is rash and takes after her English mother. Maria is faced with the rigors of big city life in London. Ferrier uses her novel to show the virtues of a good woman who leaves her calm domestic life in Scotland. By using a Scottish heroine Ferrier is challenging the prejudices of 19th century England toward the Scots.