In Jeffrey Eugenides' novel "The Marriage Plot," the author explores the complexities of love and relationships, echoing sentiments from Anthony Trollope's "Barchester Towers." The epigraph, which states that true happiness in love is only found at the conclusion of an English novel, sets the tone for the narrative. It suggests that while love can be tumultuous and fraught with challenges, there may be an optimistic resolution at the end of the story.

The book dives into the lives of its characters, portraying the struggles and joys they face in their romantic pursuits. Through their experiences, Eugenides reflects on the notion that love is rarely perfect and often involves hardship, reinforcing the idea that lasting happiness is a hard-won achievement, reminiscent of the traditional happy endings found in classic literature.