In "I Capture the Castle," Dodie Smith expresses a critical view of how young girls often preoccupy themselves with thoughts of marriage rather than genuine love. The author suggests that many girls fantasize about marriage without fully understanding its true significance and implications. This reflects a societal tendency to prioritize the idea of settling down over the emotional depth of romantic relationships.

Smith's observation highlights the disconnection between societal expectations and individual emotional experiences. It prompts a discussion about the importance of nurturing authentic feelings rather than adhering to conventional timelines that associate love with marriage. The narrative encourages readers to think more deeply about the meaning of relationships beyond the surface-level allure of matrimony.