The quote from P.G. Wodehouse's "The Small Bachelor" presents a rather cynical view of marriage, suggesting that it doesn't enhance or extend love but rather stifles it. The metaphor of mummifying a corpse implies that once love fades, marriage can trap it in a state of dormancy rather than allowing it to thrive. This perception resonates with those who might view matrimony as a finality rather than a flourishing companionship.
Wodehouse's words provoke thought about the nature of love and the institution of marriage. Instead of nurturing a relationship, he suggests that marriage can sometimes lead to stagnation, where the initial spark of love is buried under routine and obligation. This perspective invites readers to reflect on the dynamics of their own relationships and consider whether commitment truly enriches their love or simply preserves it in a less vibrant form.