Downton Abbey: You'll be hooked!

Have you heard about Downton Abbey?  

I always knew I enjoyed reading authors such as Jane Austen and Emily Bronte because of their traditional language and the charm of the English lifestyle of years gone by. A few weeks ago, I heard talk of a PBS series, Downton Abbey and became intrigued. While it is not a book, the show is well written. I've spent this past weekend watching the DVD's of seasons one and two so that I can enjoy the current season three.  Downton Abbey is actually the name of the house, which is an Edwardian mansion and park set in the North Yorkshire landscape. The story is set around the family of the Earl of Grantham and his family which includes his American wife and three daughters. His mother, the Dowager Countess of Grantham is the matriarch of the family and the resident know-it-all.

The setting is the early 1900's and begins with the sinking of the ship, the Titanic. This is an important element of the story because the Earl of Grantham is fearful that Downton Abbey will one day fall into the hands of a cousin he has never met due to a hierarchy. This cousin is said to have been a passenger on the Titanic and has drowned. The time period lends itself to high adventure, family drama, mystery, and romance.

The characters are intriguing and give insight to the sign of the times. The daughters, Mary, Edith, and Cybil, represent the different situations and problems that women found themselves in during the turn of the twentieth century. Women did not have the same rights as men, especially when it came to voting and position in society. The character of Mary is very risque as she has a moment in time with a Turkish male guest, who later winds up dying in a very inappropriate place. Edith is the daughter who is the "plain Jane" in the looks department. She longs to find the love of a man, and helps out in ways that only men usually would. Cybil is an original rebel for women's rights. The situations are thought provoking and make one want to learn more about the time period.

Period costumes, settings, issues, and family drama are just a few of the elements that make for such a captivating story. If you are a fan of English writers, or just love a rich, historical, family drama, check out Downton Abbey on your local PBS station.It is shown as a part of the Masterpiece Theater offerings (many times during the winter months Jane Austen's books are adapted for the screen on Masterpiece Theater).  I'd love to hear what others think about this continuing saga.

http://www.pbs.org

 http://www.itv.com/downtonabbey/

For Downton Abbey viewers, who is your favorite character or what is your favorite storyline?


For Jane Austen fans, What is your favorite Jane Austen novel and why?