Downton Abbey, Essay Example

Introduction

Downton Abbey is a popular television show because its integration of history and fiction allows its writers to create a compelling story that is in part based on fact. It has a large viewership because the show is unique in that it is able to utilize issues that are relevant during the modern era and apply them to a cast that lives in an interesting historic time and setting.

Example 1: The First Season Set in 1912

• This time setting is compelling because a lot of viewers are aware of the sinking of the Titanic in 1912. However, they are not aware about how it impacted the survivors of families living in England during this time. This is relevant to the modern era because it shows how a family is dealing with a serious tragedy, which is a timeless experience.

Example 2: The Second Season Set in the Late 1910’s

• This time setting is compelling because the family’s manor is no longer financially feasible and the family must determine how they can restructure the establishment to ensure that a trusted family heirloom would remain within their ownership. This is relevant to the modern era because although this was a significant problem that lords and ladies in England had to deal with in the early 1900’s, the feeling of loss and connection to one’s home is not unique, which allows the audience to connect with the family emotionally.

Example 3: The Third Season Set in the 1920’s

• The 1920’s was a time of wealth and change in England, and the Crawley family was equally impacted by this. This season shows the family having a good time and adapting to change, which is another universal theme of the show.

Conclusion

The creators of Downton Abbey utilized themes that are universally recognizable to ensure that their show based on English history would allow their viewers relate to the problems experienced by the characters.

Downton Abbey is a popular television show due to the ability of the audience to relate to the problems experienced by the Crawley family. Even though the Crawley’s are members of nobility living in England during the early 1900’s it is easy to relate to their problems because they are not unique to the upper class. During several seasons, the viewer becomes more familiar with the Crawley’s and the particular problems they face during a variety of time periods. In the first season, we are introduced to the Crawley’s during 1912 immediately after the sinking of the Titanic. They must cope with the loss of one of their loved ones and the heir to their father’s fortune. While this seems like a problem unique to the historical context of the television show, coping with loss is universal and therefore able to gain the attention of the audience. In the following season, the Crawley’s are living during the late 1910’s and must determine how to protect their estate in the light of social change. Protecting ones property and lifestyle is also an important theme to individuals living in the modern era, allowing the audience to connect with the emotions of these characters. Lastly, the third season of the show exhibits the Crawley’s living during the 1920’s. They are faced with further change and adversity, which is a popular issue among people living today. In conclusion, the creators of Downton Abbey utilized themes that are universally recognizable to ensure that their show based on English history would allow their viewers relate to the problems experienced by the characters.