Eloise Is Great, but She's Not the Real Feminist Icon on Bridgerton

Summary

• Eloise Bridgerton is loved by many fans for her feminist attitudes, which were unusual for the time.
• On closer inspection, she doesn't really do anything to deserve the credit.
• Another Bridgerton is better suited to the role of feminist icon.

Since its premiere in 2020, Bridgerton has been one of the most popular shows on Netflix. There are probably many reasons for the period drama's popularity, but it's fair to say that many people have been drawn to it thanks to its historical 19th-century setting, gorgeous costumes, and high-flown verbal exchanges between the show's characters. But as much as Bridgerton is a period drama, it's undeniably modernized.

From its diverse cast to its jaw-dropping sex scenes, Bridgerton has many modern features. This is especially evident in the issues the show addresses. Set in early nineteenth-century England, the period drama boldly tackles women's emancipation and feminism. Eloise Bridgerton, for example, is seen by many fans of the show as a rebellious feminist icon. But in fact, the credit should go to another character.

Act vs Talk

On the one hand, Eloise is quite admirable in that she is never afraid to speak her mind and call out hypocrisy and injustice when she sees it. The second Bridgerton daughter isn't afraid to go against the grain, ignoring most of the rules and conventions that high society tries to impose on her.

On the other hand, she only talks and frets about society's treatment of women and criticizes it, but never actually does anything to empower or even help women. Meanwhile, Eloise's older sister Daphne does everything she can to help other female characters and stands up for them in the face of the Ton without ever making a fuss about it.

An Efficient Feminist

Of course, Daphne and Eloise have different positions in society. Eloise is still unmarried and not even an heir to a fortune, while Daphne is a duchess with a high social standing. However, many things can be excused in this way, so it's fairer to judge the characters by what they actually do in their particular circumstances.

Despite coming from a prominent and wealthy family, Eloise doesn't seem to be doing anything useful or meaningful. But Daphne stands up for Marina Thompson when she is shunned by the Ton after the revelation of her out-of-wedlock pregnancy.

It's Daphne who scolds Cressida for belittling Marina and spreading gossip about the girl. It's Daphne who says it's the father's fault too, not just Marina's as a woman. And it's Daphne who takes action to find him and make him take responsibility for his actions. It is Daphne, not Eloise, who demands justice for Marina, who is judged in this situation, whereas she would not be if she were a man.

That seems like a pretty feminist thing to do, doesn't it? But sadly, Daphne is never given credit for what she does. Hopefully, Bridgerton fans will get a better look at the eldest Bridgerton daughter when Season 3 premieres on May 16.