Firstly, I'd like to wish everyone a Happy New Year! I hope the holiday brought you joy in whatever form; be it the food, presents or a well-earned rest. Today I am going share something that provided me with joy and a welcome distraction from the current state of the world. Naturally, that distraction was a TV series.
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| Image credit: IMDB |
The series in question is Netflix original Bridgerton, an 8-episode drama gifted to us on Christmas Day. It is set in London 1803 and focuses on the events that occur within 'the ton' (members of the society) during the marriage market season, particularly the experiences of Daphne Bridgerton (Phoebe Dynevor). As the season begins, the ton receive a letter from a Lady Whistledown (voiced by Julie Andrews) who soon develops a reputation for her brutal honesty and speculation about the events that occurred the previous day.
The series has prompted much discussion with many describing it as Gossip Girl meets Downton Abbey and Jane Austen. It is packed with gossip, scandal and romance with a little bit of lust for good measure. Though I'm not here to talk about the similarities between other tv series. I want to discuss how Bridgerton is a reflection of life in the modern world despite being set in the 1800s. So, with this in mind here is my 'spot the difference' between Bridgerton and contemporary life.
Lady Whistledowm is the 'busy-body' friend
That's right it become clear very quickly that Lady Whistledown (whomever she may be) is the friend that enjoys knowing everybody's business, they enjoy nothing more than when they've heard some juicy intel on someone and immediately want to spill the tea to their friends.
Continuing on this line of thinking, I consider the entire ton to be in a group chat and every time they receive a letter marked with Lady Whistledown's name, it is the same as receiving a WhatsApp message.
The entire process of entering the Marriage Market is basically Online Dating
Another element of modern life that came to mind when watching Bridgerton was online dating, specifically Tinder since this is the app I myself am most familiar with. The entire marriage market process seemed to reflect the experiences of someone looking for a relationship on the app. Allow me to explain in further detail:
Step One: Download the App
So, you've reached the age where you discover the app and decide to download it. For me this time was at the beginning of uni. Similarly in Bridgerton, once they are of age it is customary for girls to become a debutante and officially declare herself a lady and step out into society.
Step Two: The Profile
Now you've got the app it's time to create your profile complete with pictures and a bio to give people an idea of who you are or at least who you want them to think you are (but let's be honest no one likes a catfish).
In the series, the girls and their mothers alike are obsessed with dressing to impress with a brand-new dress and accessories for each event. To me, this is a reflection of adding pictures to your profile - the intention is to look your best in order to attract the attention of others.
When it comes to the bio the main difference is that in Bridgerton everything is discovered in person during the events. Instead of exchanging letters to reveal someone's interests (similar to the written bio), the men will approach the women they desire and offer a dance. If the dance is accepted the couple have until the music ends to get to know one another.
Step Three: Swipe and Match
It's the morning after the ball and anticipation is beginning to set in. The ladies have done all they can to impress their potential future husbands, all that's left to do is wait and see how many suitors arrive at their door. I compare this waiting game to waiting for matches after spending the night swiping away just to pass the time. Obviously, the stakes are considerably higher for the character's in Bridgerton. Fortunately for the majority of people in contemporary society, success with online dating does not determine a woman's social status for the rest of her life.
Finally, suitors arrive, each with a fresh bouquet of flowers in hand. They are invited in and shown to the drawing room where they are faced with the lady and her family. The pressure is now on the man to charm his way into a 'courtship' (a date or two in modern terms).
He sits himself next to the lady and they talk for a while, with the mother offering the occasional utterance in response. In the world of online dating, this stage is the exchange of messages to one of your matches and luckily unlike Bridgerton your family is not involved in this transaction.
Step Four: Date or No Date?
If his efforts are well received, then the lady has a decision to make and there are two things to consider:
- Does the lady wish to continue with this suitor or wait for another?
- Does her family approve?
If the answer to these questions is yes, the suitor is invited back, and the family agree upon a courtship.
It's official you're courting! Unlike modern day, the couple are required to 'promenade' together which means they must walk publicly through a garden or park. Not forgetting their chaperone of course! Luckily for us, people can choose whatever they want for a date; dinner, coffee, cinema (although for now best to stick to the virtual option).
Step Five: The Relationship
Congratulations you've made it to the final stage. You've been on a few dates but now comes the most important decision of them all - you have 2 options: will you commit to a relationship or keep things casual? In today's society we have the freedom of casual relationships and the decision can be discussed by both parties. However, in Bridgerton this decision is very important because it doesn't concern a relationship but rather a marriage proposal. Ultimately this decision is one-sided as it is the suitor who is expected to propose.
The use of sound has a Modern Twist
Finally, what makes this series particularly clever is the use of sound. There are two types of sound used in tv and film:
- Non-Diegetic: The sound that is added for the audience's viewing pleasure that exists outside of the characters world (i.e the soundtrack)
- Diegetic: The sound that is present within the characters world - sound effects (i.e ticking clock, knocking at door etc.).
I mentioned both types as the twist is adopted by both at different points throughout the series. So, what's the twist? Well, the music is an orchestral rendition of popular chart hits! This became apparent during one of the early ball dances - they were dancing to In my Blood by Shawn Mendes (diegetic). Later, a montage sequence was accompanied by a rendition of Taylor Swift's Wildest Dreams (non-diegetic).
I hope you enjoyed this analysis of Bridgerton. Let's hope that if season 2 goes ahead, it's just as intriguing as the first.
Until next time,
Dan
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