What is the primary focus of William Hogarth's "Marriage a la Mode II"?

William Hogarth's "Marriage a la Mode II" is primarily a critique of hypocrisy in marriage, reflecting the societal norms and issues of his time. The painting illustrates a scene filled with irony and moral commentary, showcasing the disillusionment and discord that can exist within matrimonial arrangements, particularly those based on financial gain rather than genuine affection.

In this artwork, Hogarth presents the aftermath of a marriage that appears to be a union of convenience rather than one rooted in love or harmony. The visual details, such as the characters' expressions and body language, convey a sense of discord and conflict, emphasizing the emptiness of a relationship lacking true connection. This focus on the pitfalls and moral failings associated with marriage serves as a broader commentary on social conventions of Hogarth's time, where many marriages were formed for economic reasons rather than emotional ones.

Hogarth's intention was not to celebrate romantic love or domestic bliss, but to shed light on the often unspoken realities of marriage, making the chosen answer accurate in its depiction of the painting's primary focus.