Final answer:
The author's comparison between Marianne's description of Edward and her marital expectations underscores the tension between romantic ideals and real-life attributes in a partner, enhancing readers' understanding of Marianne's characterization and the romantic themes of the narrative.
Step-by-step explanation:
The author strategically uses comparisons between Marianne's ideal expectations of a husband and her description of Edward to highlight the discord between her romanticized notions and the reality of her situation. By contrasting Edward's character with Marianne's lofty requirements for a spouse, the author creates a nuanced portrayal of Marianne's ideals versus the genuine qualities of a potential life partner. The impact of such a literary technique is that it encourages readers to contemplate the realistic attributes that contribute to a sound relationship, as opposed to the overly romanticized and potentially unattainable standards set by characters like Marianne.