Downton Abbey is a British period drama that takes place in the late 1910s and early 1920s. It centers around the Crawley family, who reside on a magnificent country estate, along with their loyal staff. The series delves into how historical events influence their lives and provides a unique viewpoint on the class system of the 20th century.
In Season 2 of Downton Abbey, the first episode delves into how World War I affects both the residents and staff at Downton. Moreover, romance, especially in this particular episode, plays a crucial part in the series. The narratives involving Matthew and Mary, as well as Bates and Anna, effectively exhibit the theme of love within the show.
War’s power and effects on diverse individuals are prevalent in this episode of Downton Abbey. While Matthew, heir to Downton, engages in battle on the front lines of World War I after joining the army, others at Downton strive to find ways to aid the war effort.
Robert, The Earl of Grantham, is eager to actively participate in the war despite his aristocratic status exempting him from duty. In this episode, his ultimate desire is to fight, and he worries about not fulfilling his duty. Initially elated to be appointed Colonel of the North Riding Volunteers, he is later embarrassed to discover that it is merely a symbolic role. Similarly, William, a footman at Downton, desires to join the army but his father has forbidden him, leaving him feeling guilty for not offering assistance during his country’s time of need.
He is shocked when he receives a white feather and is labeled a coward in front of a room of people. Sybil, the youngest of the Crawley girls, feels useless and decides to aid those in need by joining a nursing program. Later on, Matthew discovers that he is fighting in the same trenches as Thomas, a former Downton footman. During their free time, they have tea together and Thomas points out the irony of a former footman sharing tea with the Lord he once served. Matthew remarks, “War has a way of separating what’s important from what isn’t.”
The examples mentioned above all demonstrate the theme of war and its impact on people from all classes. These examples also highlight a broader theme that runs throughout the entire series: the show’s sympathetic portrayal of aristocratic families and the class divisions that were prominent in early 20th century England.
The Crawley’s show respect and kindness towards their house staff and are supportive when help is needed. The treatment is mostly fair, emphasizing that both the Crawley’s and their employees are equally impacted by the war. Both groups have members serving in the war and individuals who feel a greater responsibility to contribute to the war efforts. This highlights that despite their differing lifestyles, we are all affected – physically or emotionally – by the consequences of war.
Downton Abbey is a period drama that explores themes of romance and the challenges of love. The show frequently employs the typical plot of two individuals who are meant to be but face constant obstacles. In this episode, two storylines effectively showcase this recurring theme.
The focus of the first half of the episode centers around the relationship between Matthew and Lady Mary, the oldest of the Crawley daughters. Matthew comes back to Downton during his break and Mary has to handle the situation with poise as he introduces his new fiancé. This is their first meeting in months since Matthew broke off their engagement and it is clear that there are still lingering feelings between them.
Despite showing apparent happiness as Mary says goodbye to him at the train station before he departs for war, she visits him there and presents him with a good luck charm. Later in the episode, we see Mary praying to God for his safe return. Simultaneously, another romantic plot focuses on Anna, the head housemaid, and Bates, Lord Grantham’s valet. After burying his mother in London, Bates returns and discloses to Anna that he has found a way to divorce his wife.
Anna is overjoyed and moved to tears by the realization that she and Bates can finally be together. Unfortunately, their happiness is short-lived when Bates’ wife unexpectedly arrives at Downton Abbey. She threatens to reveal Lady Mary’s transgressions if Bates proceeds with the divorce. Despite his loyalty to the Crawley family, Bates reluctantly departs with his wife, leaving Anna devastated.
To summarize, the initial episode in the second series of Downton Abbey showcases recurring themes observed throughout the entire series. One theme that stands out in this episode focuses on the impact of war on individuals from different social classes, emphasizing the privileged aristocrats and the class system prevailing in 20th century England.
The text suggests that various groups of people in the story are connected through their shared experiences and emotions concerning the war. This connection reveals that these individuals have more similarities than initially perceived. Additionally, the episode highlights complicated romantic relationships among some characters, particularly Matthew and Mary, as well as Anna and Bates. These storylines reinforce the prevalent theme of romance typically found in period pieces.
