Arts & Ideas Marriage
Nov 28, 2025
Guest
Catherine Wheatley
Guest
Reetika Subramanian
Guest
Diarmaid MacCulloch
Guest
Zoe Strimpel
Guest
Josh Cohen
This discussion features Josh Cohen, a psychoanalyst and literary scholar exploring the ties between literature and relationships; Zoe Strimpel, a journalist investigating the evolving concept of family; Diarmaid MacCulloch, a historian delving into the historical and religious facets of marriage; Reetika Subramanian, a researcher examining marriage ties to economic vulnerability; and Catherine Wheatley, a philosopher analyzing the dynamics of remarriage comedies. They cover themes like the historical evolution of marriage, cultural trends, and the impact of modern pressures on relationships.
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Episode notes
Marriage Has Multiple Historical Roles
- Marriage serves many roles: erotic, strategic, social and legal across history.
- Different narratives (Lawrence, Trollope) show marriage shifts from erotic intensity to domestic tension and control.
Lawrence's Brangwins: From Ecstasy To Tension
- Josh Cohen recounts D.H. Lawrence's Brangwin honeymoon turning problematic when one partner has to get out of bed.
- Lawrence uses that moment to show erotic intensity giving way to everyday tensions in marriage.
Trollope's Marriage Torn By Jealousy
- Zoe Strimpel tells Trollope's He Knew He Was Right where male jealousy destroys a marriage and harms the child.
- The story illustrates how love can flip into possessiveness and ruin domestic life.
