Yes. That's my point: I think the modern search for a soul-mate has obscured the meaning and importance, even the spirituality, of an earlier perspective on marriage. We may consider it outdated now, but considering that it seems to have been held by the majority of humanity for the majority of history, I don't think we should dismiss it out of hand.
What I love about Jane Austen is that she bridges those two perspectives so neatly. Her heroine's marriages have passion, but they are also based on affection, respect, and admiration. I think also of Marianne Dashwood who went the other way round: her marriage to Brandon began as a marriage of mutual affection, admiration and respect, and ended by being one of passion. Marianne is a little unusual in her character, but I can totally see it happening for her at least.
If I may speculate a wee bit, I would perhaps suggest that most healthy marriages probably go through phases where either 'passion' or 'rational attachment' predominate, but that the best and happiest marriages probably have some of both in their composition.
Though, speculating a good deal more, this may vary with temper. Those who have less passion in their make-up may not feel such a need for it in their relationships. If Charlotte weren't actually annoyed by her husband, I think we could all see her being happy with him, even without ever being what we might call "in love," and without him being much cleverer than he is. Elinor is certainly deeply and sincerely attached to Edward Ferrars, and he to her, but there is probably less of passion in their relationship than in, say, Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy's, and I think most readers are OK with that even if we may feel less drawn to it. But again, that's pretty speculative. :-)
What I love about Jane Austen is that she bridges those two perspectives so neatly. Her heroine's marriages have passion, but they are also based on affection, respect, and admiration. I think also of Marianne Dashwood who went the other way round: her marriage to Brandon began as a marriage of mutual affection, admiration and respect, and ended by being one of passion. Marianne is a little unusual in her character, but I can totally see it happening for her at least.
If I may speculate a wee bit, I would perhaps suggest that most healthy marriages probably go through phases where either 'passion' or 'rational attachment' predominate, but that the best and happiest marriages probably have some of both in their composition.
Though, speculating a good deal more, this may vary with temper. Those who have less passion in their make-up may not feel such a need for it in their relationships. If Charlotte weren't actually annoyed by her husband, I think we could all see her being happy with him, even without ever being what we might call "in love," and without him being much cleverer than he is. Elinor is certainly deeply and sincerely attached to Edward Ferrars, and he to her, but there is probably less of passion in their relationship than in, say, Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy's, and I think most readers are OK with that even if we may feel less drawn to it. But again, that's pretty speculative. :-)