Eloise Bridgerton Is Not A Feminist You Want Her To Be (But There's Still Time)

Summary:

• Bridgerton is a period drama TV series based on the novel franchise of the same name by Julia Quinn.
• The show explores the love life of the Bridgerton family consisting of 7 siblings and their mother, Lady Violet.
• The fifth child, Eloise, is considered to be the least conforming to societal norms. However, her feminist views often come off as shallow.

It's no big secret that for a long time, society all over the world was very hard on women. Throughout the years, women have been taken for granted and subjected to the most ridiculous rules that robbed them of any independence.

Not to forget those free-spirited and strong-willed women who tried to fight for their rights to make their own choices, many writers and creators behind historical fiction end up using such characters in their stories. Eloise Bridgerton was always intended to be one of them.

However, many feel that her idea of feminism in the show is very one-sided and performative, and that she comes across as a very selfish character.

Eloise Bridgerton’s Worst Trait

While many viewers sympathize with the position of women in the Regency era and understand the need for self-expression, Eloise's methods aren't the most sympathetic. She knows what she wants and what she doesn't want, and she acts accordingly, which is admirable. It's the way she speaks that makes many people cringe.

As annoying as it may be to be constantly dismissed by your mother and siblings for being who you are, Eloise makes it even harder for herself to finally find some understanding. In the rare scenes of dialogue with her older brother Benedict, we get a glimpse of what her relationship with her family could have been if she hadn't pushed them all away.

Instead, Eloise continues to push her agenda whether it is appropriate or not. While her older brother Anthony was going through the rough patch of his botched wedding, she was the one pointing out that all marriages are traps for women, which does not help the situation at all.

When she talks about other ladies of the ton, she automatically dismisses any of them who agree to live by the rules and don't want to rebel. Instead of celebrating people's choices, she belittles those who disagree with her.

She has plenty of resources to create something of her own, but she spends them all chasing after another woman, Lady Whistledown, whom she praises and hates at the same time. So far, Eloise's bravado has been all words and no deeds, and that's exactly why she's been challenged by Penelope.

Season 3, however, could be a great opportunity to shake things up. Finally losing her obsession with Whistledown, Eloise may finally be able to do something much more useful with her time and knowledge, and fans are eager to see that happen.

If you're interested in seeing what the future holds for Eloise Bridgerton, tune in to Netflix on May 16, 2024, and don't miss the premiere of the first part of Bridgerton season 3.