This excerpt from George Eliot's "Daniel Deronda" observes societal perceptions surrounding marriage. When a wedding occurs, male friends often express sympathy for the bride, believing she could have found a more suitable partner. Conversely, female friends tend to pity the groom, questioning why he did not choose someone more appealing. The analysis illustrates a common bias where the qualities of the bride overshadow those of the groom.

Furthermore, the passage highlights a tendency to view the husband's circumstances as self-inflicted. His female acquaintances often think that he has made a poor choice in his spouse, thus deserving pity. This reveals a broader societal judgment that emphasizes the bride's desirability while undermining the groom's worth, reflecting a gendered perspective on marriage that prioritizes the bride's attractiveness and the groom's perceived shortcomings.