Beatrix Potter
Beatrix Potter was a popular woman who endured the discrimination that most women received during her time. She is a picture of a successful woman during an era when mostly men were recognized. Her creativity stunned many people, including those closest to her such as her parents and relatives. Even today, Beatrix Potter is adored and praised by people all over the world.
Most children continue to cherish and read Beatrix Potter’s creations. Her love for childhood memories and creative imagination inspired the movie ‘Miss Potter’, directed by Chris Noonan, which depicts the simple yet colorful life of Miss Potter.
Beatrix Potter was a woman of many talents. She was a well-known author of children’s books, including The Tale of Peter Rabbit,” as well as other successful animal and landscape-themed stories. These talents are highlighted in the movie “Miss Potter.” Early on in the film, it is clear that the character portrayed by Renee Zellweger is a talented artist, storyteller, and painter.
Early in her life, Beatrix Potter had a great fondness for animals and kept various pets. This aspect of her life is also portrayed in the film, as she is shown to have a deep love for animals and there are references to her animal friends”. It is said that Beatrix spent most of her childhood alone, without any friends. She was homeschooled by her mother and a governess. From this perspective, the film depicts Miss Potter as having no close friends and being prepared to live alone while painting and conversing with her animated illustrations.
As Beatrix grew older, she became fond of the Lakeview landscape and learned about plants and fungi. The film portrays Miss Potter as having a great admiration for the landscapes, especially in scenes where she is drawing or painting for her book. She can be seen beside the lake or among the trees and plants.
Beatrix Potter sought to gain intellectual knowledge. However, the status of women during her time prevented her from accessing formal education in schools and universities. The film depicts the oppression and discrimination experienced by women during those times when no publisher would publish Beatrix’s work.
Beatrix loves her childhood and cherishes the memories that come with it. This is why she wants to publish a small book. In the film, it’s evident how eager Miss Potter is when a well-known publisher rejects her book. The movie accurately portrays Beatrix’s reaction when publishers don’t grant her wish.
Her work was only published when a publisher named Norman Warne agreed to publish it. The film emphasizes this part of her life as it was a turning point in what had so far been a boring existence for her. It gave her the chance she needed, and her books were well received by the people, which somehow made her more inspired as the movie tries to reflect.
Another comparison can be made between the love story of Beatrix and the portrayal of her in Noonan’s film. During Beatrix’s time, women were expected to marry someone who could financially support them. It was rare for women to marry for the sake of ‘love’. Therefore, when Beatrix fell in love with her publisher, her family was against it. In the film, one can see how much Beatrix’s mother hates the idea that she fell in love with her publisher. In real life, she had to live under the custody of her parents because of her decision.
Nonetheless, Beatrix did not marry Norman Warne even after she left her parents. Unfortunately, shortly after their engagement, Norman fell ill with a type of anemia that took his life just a few weeks later. While the actual scene of his death was not depicted in the movie, the impact of his passing on Beatrix was clearly conveyed.
After becoming famous for her work, Beatrix later invested her earnings to buy acres of land near the lake. This decision was likely based on her love of the landscape and early understanding of its importance. In the movie Miss Potter,” she decides to buy the land beside the lake in order to maintain and preserve its beauty, which she actually did.
The film’s Victorian setting corresponds to the timeframe of Beatrix’s life. The English accent and costumes were well-done, effectively demonstrating Beatrix and her era. Scenes featuring the landscape background reveal Beatrix’s fondness for the countryside and nature in general.
Works Cited.
Linda Lear (2006) wrote Beatrix Potter: A Life in Nature” which was published by Allen Lane Publishing.
Harriet Castor (1999) wrote a book about Beatrix Potter titled Famous People, Famous Lives” which was published by Franklin Watts Ltd.
Kirjasto.2003. (Helen) Beatrix Potter (1866-1943) was an English author and illustrator best known for her children’s books featuring animal characters such as Peter Rabbit. Her works have been translated into over 35 languages and have sold millions of copies worldwide.
Retrieved on March 7, 2008, from http://www.kirjasto.sci.fi/bpotter.htm.
