Regency Revisited in Julia Quinn's Bridgerton: From Antiquity to Modernity

Abstract

This research provides an exploration of Regency England during the specified historical timeframe, as portrayed in the book series titled Bridgerton authored by Julia Quinn. The dissertation offers an examination of various socio-cultural facets prevalent during the said era, including standards for etiquette and social conduct, fashion trends, standards and societal expectations for women, and the role of the ruling British monarch. Through conduct of a thorough chronicle-based analysis and comparative evaluation of the Netflix adaptation, this study seeks to deliver a comprehensive factual understanding of the time period and accurate depiction within popular entertainment medium. Chapter one includes a meticulous contextual overview of pertinent political, societal and cultural attributes defining the Regency period within the United Kingdom, drawing upon primary source documentation and academic research to present a balanced perspective, absent subjective perspectives or opinions. Chapter two shifts focus to the Netflix television programme adaptation of Quinn's books. This section conducts an objective comparative evaluation of depicted content against recorded historical facts, assessing the portrayal of areas such as selected wardrobe design, set decoration schemes and represented archetypes. Through presenting findings of equitable exploration of both relevant source history and television representation, this thesis intends to transmit fact-based comprehension of the Regency era as shown within Quinn's Bridgerton works to interested parties, free of non-evidenced viewpoints.