One should keep in mind that the concept of 'marrying for love' hasn't always been the norm in human history. Even in some cultures today marriages are arranged by the family with the bride and groom having little if any imput. Tolkien grew up in a time when parents still had a great deal to say over such things. He himself was commanded not to even see Edith Bratt (his future bride) until he was 21 and fending for himself. He was 16 at the time.
Now days a parent isn't expected to do much more than pay for the wedding.
[ October 18, 2002: Message edited by: Scapegoat ]
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