Analysis: Context

Tomine's wedding happened fairly recently (the book was published in 2011, but his wedding happened in 2007), so the context of this marriage is a modern one. Marriage is an important aspect in Western culture- one that has been learned and understood as an important turning point in one's life. Scenes of an Impending Marriage shows the struggle that Adrian and Sarah go through to make it perfect, or at least acceptable for everyone. The cultural aspects in this graphic novel are very clear, with most strips talking about the different aspects you would see at a modern, Wester wedding today: dancing, seating arrangements, invitations of close ones. The vow of marriage itself hasn't changed much throughout the decades, but the level of celebration and rituals has changed to be a little more freeing in terms of what couples want. Tomine shows this especially in the part of where the wedding reception should take place. In recent years, younger couples have opted for more "modern weddings" in unconventional places- Adrian and Sarah do look into that, like a wedding in a urban space with huge windows or even outside, in a forest.

Tomine does poke fun at the absurdity of "different and original" wedding venues people want. "'Yeah... It's a little over the top, huh?' 'What do you mean? It's my favourite combo: hideous and expensive!'" (Tomine, 13). There is a certain pressure on couples these days to really go all out with wedding receptions, but all Adrian and Sarah really want is a simple wedding.