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Cover of Wedding Day

Wedding Day

Written by Winston K. (Winston Kinney) Marks

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Science FictionPsychological fictionShort storiesWomenWeddings

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About this book

"Wedding Day" by Winston K. Marks is a science fiction story written in the early 1950s. The narrative explores themes of polygamous marriage in a futuristic setting where societal conditions have drastically changed the dynamic between the sexes. The book likely highlights the intricacies of forming emotional and cognitive connections among multiple partners within a shared marital arrangement. The story centers on four women—Polly, June, Doris, and Sue—who are about to marry Hollis Jamison, the sole man among them in a world where men significantly outnumber women. The narrative unfolds on their wedding day, just moments before the ceremony. As they prepare, the women engage in playful arguments and express their individual anxieties regarding the union. They possess a unique connection through telepathy, which reinforces their bond and signifies the unity required for their marriage cell. Despite their different personalities and skills, they have been matched to complement each other, with shared hopes of a future that includes starting a family. The story culminates in the ceremony, where Hollis ceremoniously places rings on each of their fingers, signifying their new life together.

Reading guide

Themes, characters and key ideas in Wedding Day, written by Chaptra AI.

  • about 8 hours
  • intermediate
  • futuristic
  • introspective
  • anxious

Winston K. Marks's "Wedding Day" is an early 1950s science fiction story set in a future society drastically altered by a severe gender imbalance, leading to the institutionalization of polygamous marriage. The narrative unfolds on the wedding day of Hollis Jamison and his four brides—Polly, June, Doris, and Sue—just moments before their ceremony. The story delves into the women's individual anxieties and playful interactions as they prepare, highlighting their unique telepathic bond which is crucial for their multi-partner union. Despite their distinct personalities, they have been carefully matched to form a cohesive 'marriage cell,' united by shared hopes for a family and a future together. The story culminates as Hollis places rings on each woman's finger, symbolizing their commitment to a new life in this restructured societal framework.

“"It's not just a wedding, is it? It's a new world, a new way to be a family."”

Key themes

Polygamy and Alternative Marriage Structures
This is the central theme, exploring a future where polygamous marriage is not only accepted but necessary due to a severe gender imbalance. The story delves into the practicalities, emotional complexities, and societal implications of forming multi-partner unions, challenging traditional monogamous norms.
Gender Imbalance and Societal Restructuring
The underlying cause for the story's unique marital system is a drastic imbalance in the male-to-female ratio. This theme examines how such a demographic shift can fundamentally alter societal norms, expectations, and the very fabric of human relationships, forcing a radical restructuring of family units and gender roles.
Telepathy and Emotional/Cognitive Connection
The telepathic bond shared by the four women is a crucial element, serving as both a practical communication tool and a metaphor for the deep emotional and cognitive unity required for their marriage to succeed. It explores the idea that profound understanding and shared consciousness are vital for complex interpersonal relationships, especially in non-traditional arrangements.

Worth discussing

How does Marks's depiction of polygamy challenge or reinforce traditional notions of marriage and family?

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