Dowry and its presence in English Literature: A critical study

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to explore that dowry is a social problem all over the world and dowry is not a gift. Marriage is the name of settlement or we can say women’s settlement. Dowry became the worst part of it. The practice of dowry or ‘Joutuk’, demands made by the groom’s side to the bride’s side, have in the last few decades became a widespread traditional patriarchal assumptions. Now this evil practice converted to a new tradition in the name of gift. This paper analyzes the present situation of dowry, differences between dowry and gift and also presence of dowry in English literature.

Key Words: Dowry, Dower, Medieval, Literature, Marriage.