Mankind has had better moments! Arranged Marriage has not by any means raised simple questions regarding marriage, society and life itself. Neither does it provide us with simple solutions to improve our nations. Instead, Divakaruni's "marriage accounts" has given us essential principles about the importance of marriage and how one can find happiness. Not for the sole purpose of learning about Indian history, but also for the intention of finding a balance between traditional beliefs and the new culture immigrants face in the United States. Arranged Marriage is defined as marriage between a man and a woman, arranged by the couple's parents and/or relatives based on traditions and strong family ties. It has been compared with Companionate Marriage in which the man and the woman freely choose to marry based on love and companionship. Divakaruni's "marriage accounts" show the effect traditional values have on families as they move to the United States where individual freedom is practiced. Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni raises four themes, which challenge the Indian tradition as families try to find their identity in a new culture. .
I couldn't stand it, the stares and whispers of the women, down in the marketplace; the loneliness of being without him. Compassion is one of the first four themes that Divakaruni's "marriage accounts" is emphasizing throughout her stories. We notice how the Indian women and wives are more connected to their family and community. The marriage of an Indian woman is the matter of everyone around her. Her decisions throughout that marriage will affect her as well as her relationship with her family and friends. As Anju tells us in her story: "We keep in touch mostly through letters; international calls are too expensive." This community-based compassion of the Indian women is challenged as they arrive in the United States. Our philosophy of dating, love and marriage has puzzled many couples as they build their families around this new culture.
