Blog Prompt 3: Money And Matrimony

In your opinion, is money important in a relationship? Consider the 'transactional' element observed in the relationships between the couples. Do you think there is an upward trend of relationships and marriages valuing money over other qualities? Provide examples for your responses.


In my opinion, I think that money should not be the basis of a relationship, but it does play a part in relationships one way or another. In Merchant of Venice, one good example of money playing a part in a relationship would be Bassanio and Portia. Bassanio was at the beginning of the play a rich man that squandered his fortune, leaving him in heavy debt. He then borrowed money to go to Portia, a lady from a rich family, in order to marry her. However, this relationship is not solely built on money but true love between the two can be seen before the casket scenes and the moment when the letter from Antonio was sent. In the modern society, it is sad to say that money plays a part in everything, even relationships. Newly weds have to face many problems like buying their house, raising their kids and saving up for their future, which all involve money. This shows that money has the capability to influence the choice for relationships. In the increasingly materialistic society, money’s influence in a relationship definitely increases. More and more people are being blinded by the wealth of their partners into having the urge to start a relationship, and then forming a family which would forever bind the two together. The materialistic nature of the people nowadays also means that they tend to seek partners who are at least financially stable, and would prefer the wealthy than the poor, and this materialistic nature is often undetectable by the person himself, which make him unknowingly attracted to the partner’s wealth instead of companionship.