The declaration of independence was signed in 1776 and by freeing the American colonies from the British rule it marked an important step in the relationship between England and America. Many settlers left England in search of religious freedom and to start a society with new rules and values. In both "Downton Abbey" and "The Remains of the Day" the rules and values embodied by the American characters are way more modern than the English ones.
To truly understand the differences between English and American characters one first has to ask: what exactly is "Englishness" and how do the American characters show contrast to that? Doyle mentions "a national sense of ancestry, tradition and universal 'free' citizenship" in "English & Englishness" and thus takes up one of the most important aspects: tradition. The American characters in "Downton Abbey" do not value tradition as much as the English ones do. A reason for that may be the fact that America does not have as much of a country’s history as England does. The aristocracy and class system in England may be a "national disunity" but it is nevertheless an aspect that has strongly shaped the English society. This is clearly shown in "Downton Abbey" where the main characters are consequently divided into 'masters' and 'servants'. Even though there seems to be a serving class under the wealthy Americans, too, they have no aristocracy in America.
A point that gets more attention than the aristocracy in "The Remains of the Day" is the importance of dignity. The protagonist Stevens dedicates the majority of his thoughts to the question of a good butler. In his mind this question is strongly linked with a feeling of dignity and the question of how one should behave. It gets obvious that in his opinion his former employer Lord Darlington knew how to behave while the American gentleman Mr. Farraday often brings "bewilderment, not to say shock" about. A similar opinion is held by the Dowager Countess Lady Grantham. She is openly judging Martha Levinson’s manners and behaviour. Boyle also mentions the importance of a country’s own language and culture and the education of it. Another aspect is the love of one’s country and landscape that is stressed by Stevens during the beginning of his journey.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- History and Tradition
- The Importance of the English Aristocracy
- What is English dignity?
- Conclusion
Objectives and Key Themes
This paper examines the representation of English and American characters in Downton Abbey and The Remains of the Day, analyzing how the contrasting portrayals highlight key differences in cultural values and perspectives. The study explores the significance of tradition, class systems, and the concept of "Englishness" within the context of these narratives.
- The importance of tradition and history in shaping English identity
- The contrasting values and behaviors of English and American characters
- The role of the aristocracy and class system in English society
- The concept of dignity and its significance in the portrayal of English characters
- The impact of American influence on traditional English society
Chapter Summaries
Introduction: This introductory chapter establishes the central theme of the paper: the comparison of English and American characters in Downton Abbey and The Remains of the Day. It highlights the historical context of the relationship between England and America, emphasizing the departure of many settlers seeking religious freedom and a new societal structure. The chapter introduces the concept of "Englishness" as a core element of the analysis, questioning what constitutes this identity and how it contrasts with the American characters' portrayals. It introduces the key themes of tradition, the aristocracy, and dignity, providing a foundation for the subsequent chapters’ analyses of the works’ depictions.
History and Tradition: This chapter delves into the profound differences between English and American perspectives on history, heritage, and traditions. It connects Englishness to nostalgia, noting the tendency of English characters to idealize the past and view the English way of life as inherently traditional. The chapter contrasts this with the American perspective, represented by characters who embrace change and modernity. The contrasting viewpoints are explored through specific examples from both Downton Abbey and The Remains of the Day, focusing on characters like Martha Levinson and the Dowager Countess, highlighting their contrasting opinions on tradition and progress. The chapter further discusses the symbolic importance of old aristocratic estates in preserving English heritage and the irony of American wealth often being necessary to maintain these historical landmarks.
Keywords
Englishness, American identity, tradition, aristocracy, dignity, Downton Abbey, The Remains of the Day, class system, cultural contrast, nostalgia, heritage.
Frequently Asked Questions: Analyzing English and American Identity in *Downton Abbey* and *The Remains of the Day*
What is the main focus of this academic paper?
This paper analyzes the representation of English and American characters in Downton Abbey and The Remains of the Day, exploring how their contrasting portrayals illuminate differences in cultural values and perspectives. It investigates the significance of tradition, class systems, and the concept of "Englishness" within the narratives.
What are the key themes explored in the paper?
The paper explores several key themes, including the importance of tradition and history in shaping English identity; the contrasting values and behaviors of English and American characters; the role of the aristocracy and class system in English society; the concept of dignity and its significance in portraying English characters; and the impact of American influence on traditional English society.
What is the structure of the paper?
The paper includes an introduction, a chapter on history and tradition, and a conclusion. The introduction sets the stage, outlining the central theme and introducing key concepts. The chapter on history and tradition delves into the contrasting perspectives on history, heritage, and traditions between English and American characters, using specific examples from both Downton Abbey and The Remains of the Day. The conclusion synthesizes the findings.
How does the paper define "Englishness"?
The paper examines "Englishness" as a core concept, questioning what constitutes this identity and how it contrasts with the portrayal of American characters. It connects Englishness to nostalgia and a tendency to idealize the past, contrasting this with the American characters' embrace of change and modernity.
What specific examples from the shows are used in the analysis?
The analysis uses specific examples from both Downton Abbey and The Remains of the Day to illustrate the contrasting perspectives on tradition and progress. Characters like Martha Levinson and the Dowager Countess are highlighted to demonstrate differing opinions on tradition and modernity. The symbolic importance of old aristocratic estates in preserving English heritage and the irony of American wealth maintaining these landmarks are also discussed.
What are the keywords associated with this research?
Keywords include: Englishness, American identity, tradition, aristocracy, dignity, Downton Abbey, The Remains of the Day, class system, cultural contrast, nostalgia, and heritage.
What is the overall objective of this analysis?
The overall objective is to provide a comparative analysis of English and American characters in the chosen texts, shedding light on the complexities of cultural identity and the impact of historical and societal forces on shaping national character.
- Quote paper
- Ina Noschitzka (Author), 2017, The Representation of English and American Characters in Downton Abbey and The Remains of the Day, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/417377
