Description
A witty, thoughtful tour through love, duty, and desire in the world of Bridgerton
Bridgerton and Philosophy dives into the irresistible world of Bridgerton to explore the big questions hiding beneath the corsets, courtships, and candlelight. What does it really mean to fall in love—or to stay in love? What do we owe our friends when secrets come out? Can gossip ever be a force for good? This collection of engaging essays tackles everything from love, marriage, and sex, to race, power, and identity. Along the way, it explores how Bridgerton and its prequel, Queen Charlotte bring timeless philosophical questions to life—sometimes in a ballroom, sometimes in a bedroom, and always with style.
Bridgerton breaks the mold of typical period dramas. With its lush visuals, pop-song string quartets, and a boldly diverse cast, it offers more than escapism—it invites viewers to think. What does it mean to imagine a different kind of past? How does beauty shape our idea of truth or love? And why do we still find so much meaning in "happily ever afters?" Each essay brings philosophical depth in a down-to-earth tone—no philosophy background required—exploring questions such as:
- Is Lady Whistledown's gossip harmless fun, disrespectful discourse, or a morally valuable tool?
- What happens when love and duty conflict? And what is love, anyway?
- Does Penelope deserve Eloise's forgiveness?
- What do we mean by “happiness” in the “happily ever after”?
- Is the Duke of Hastings' stutter a disability?
- What is “queerbaiting” and is Bridgerton guilty of it when it comes to Benedict Bridgerton?
Written in an entertaining, conversational style aimed at general readers and devoted fans alike, Bridgerton and Philosophy: Dukes, Debutantes, and Deep Questions is a must-read for fans who want to revisit the ton and see it in a whole new light.
Table of Contents
Our Most Humble Thanks (Acknowledgments) viii
Carriages, Courtship, and Questions of a Most Vexing Nature (An Introduction) 1
“I Burn for You”: Sex and Desire 5
Freedom, Happiness, Mortality … and Those Bees! 39
“Who Needs Fresh Air When There Is Fresh Gossip?” 83
Friendship, Trust, and Betrayal 125
Love, Marriage, and Motherhood 157
“Not Everyone Can Always Get Things So Right”: Questions and Critiques 199
Esteemed Members of the Ton (Notes on Contributors) 243
Lady Whistledown’s Index 000
