This paper will focus on women question depicted in ‘Downtown Abbey’.The present paper therefore briefly outlines the main characteristics of Edwardian women, which are relevant for the present study and subsequently set these findings in a relation with ‘Downton Abbey’.
Particularly, it will delve into the social and historical background of upper class Edwardian women and compares and contrasts it with the character depiction of Lady Mary. Since not all characteristics can be analysed in detail the focus of this paper will be laid on the questions of marriage, sex and love. The main aim of the paper is thus to point out that Lady Mary finds herself in a most inner conflict between her sense of duty and obligation and striving for autonomy and modernity. In particular, this paper will illustrate that Lady Mary displays an authentic image of an Edwardian woman but if it comes to marriage, sex and love she is even ahead of her time. Through the series she more and more overcomes her inner conflict and develops to a self-determined, modern women who acts out of conviction not out of a feeling of obligation or duty. This development is clearly to be recognized through the love attachments of Lady Mary.
Accordingly, the present paper will pass through the main relationships of Lady Mary and will analyse how they impact her feminist progression. The selection was thereby reduced to six relationships since this is a limited term paper which nonetheless should provide a thorough analysis and interpretation. Within this selection only relationships which had a great influence on her development and which from Mary’s point of view were considered to end in a potential marriage were included. While going through her love attachments the term paper on hand will analyse how she develops from a traditional and conservative women to a modern woman who is slowly embracing the modern world.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- I. INTRODUCTION
- II. EDWARDIAN WOMEN: SOCIAL AND HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF THE SECOND SEX IN EDWARDIAN ENGLAND.
- 2.1 MARRIAGE, SEX AND LOVE IN EDWARDIAN ENGLAND.
- 2.2 THE CONCEPT of the NEW WOMAN.
- III. LADY MARY AS A WOMAN OF TRADITION AND MODERNITY
- 3.1 THE FULFILment of OBLIGATION AND DUTY: THE ENGAGEMENT TO HER COUSIN PATRICK
- 3.2 THE SPIRIT OF A MODERN WOMAN: THE SHORT AFFAIR WITH KEMAL PAMUK
- 3.3 The ProtECTION OF THE Estate: The EXPEDIENT ENGAGEMENT TO RICHARD CARLISLE
- 3.4 THE CONCORDance of OBLIGATION AND LOVE: Matthew THE SOULMATE OF MARY.
- 3.5 RELATIONSHIP ON TRIAL: The RendezvOUS WITH ANTHONY FOYLE
- 3.6 LADY MARY IS EMBRACING THE MODERN WOMAN: THE MARRIAGE WITH HENRY TALBOT
- IV. CONCLUSION.
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This paper investigates the portrayal of the Edwardian woman in Julian Fellowes' period drama Downton Abbey, specifically focusing on the character of Lady Mary Crawley. It aims to demonstrate how Lady Mary's development as a self-determined and modern woman unfolds through her personal relationships and her choices in matters of love, marriage, and duty. The analysis focuses on the period following the Edwardian Era, a time of great social change for women.
- The changing role of women in Edwardian England, with a particular emphasis on marriage, sex, and love within the upper classes.
- Lady Mary's struggle between tradition and modernity as she navigates the expectations of her social standing.
- The impact of Lady Mary's various relationships on her personal development and her evolution towards a more independent and self-assured identity.
- The influence of societal expectations and pressures on Lady Mary's choices and her ultimate embrace of a modern outlook.
- The representation of the changing social landscape of Edwardian England through the depiction of the Crawley family and their staff at Downton Abbey.
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
- I. INTRODUCTION: This chapter provides an overview of the Edwardian Era, highlighting the era's prosperity and the concurrent social changes, particularly regarding the evolving role of women. It introduces Downton Abbey as a period drama that depicts the life of an aristocratic family and their staff during this time, offering a glimpse into the social and economic realities of the period. The chapter then focuses on Lady Mary Crawley as a central figure in the series and as a representative of the Edwardian woman. It introduces the main research question of the paper, which is to examine how Lady Mary navigates her conflicting desires for both traditional duty and personal autonomy.
- II. EDWARDIAN WOMEN: SOCIAL AND HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF THE SECOND SEX IN EDWARDIAN ENGLAND. This chapter explores the social and historical context of Edwardian women, concentrating on the experiences of upper-class women. It examines the role of marriage, sex, and love within this social group, highlighting the prevailing societal expectations and pressures on women. The chapter discusses the emergence of the "New Woman" concept and the impact of the Married Women Property Act of 1870, which granted women greater control over their property.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
The central themes of this paper revolve around the evolving role of women in Edwardian England, specifically within the aristocratic class. The focus is on the interplay between tradition and modernity, duty and personal fulfillment, and the impact of changing social expectations on the lives of women like Lady Mary Crawley. Key topics include marriage, sex, love, the "New Woman" concept, the London Season, societal expectations, and the representation of the Edwardian era in period drama.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Melina Wiese (Autor:in), 2015, Marriage, Sex and Love in Traditional and Conservative Edwardian England. Lady Mary is Embracing the Modern World, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/379714
