Summary
- Despite being the most fleshed out character on Bridgerton, Eloise is disliked by many fans of the show.
- She doesn't have the qualities for the attention she's given.
- The Peloise arc is ample proof that the character does not deserve the praise she receives.
Although each season of Bridgerton has its main characters, just like Julia Quinn's novels on which the Netflix show is based, the TV adaptation also pays a lot of attention to the supporting characters. So it's not surprising that some of them have become more popular with viewers than the actual leads. For example, Eloise Bridgerton is perhaps the most fleshed out character on the show, even though she's supposed to be the fifth sibling to get her story told.
Since Season 1, Eloise has been the most memorable member of the Bridgerton family. Her nonconformist, feisty attitude sets her apart from the rest of the characters on the show. She speaks her mind bluntly. She refuses to conform to the social norms of the 19th century that limited women. And she's not afraid to be seen as different. Yet, Eloise is disliked by many Bridgerton fans. And there's a simple explanation for that.
Behind the Fascinating Facade
On Bridgerton, Eloise is often portrayed as a precocious, enlightened young lady whose interests lie in feminism and women's emancipation. She is quick to criticize views, attitudes, and behaviors that she deems unjust, hypocritical, or simply foolish. It would seem that Eloise's beliefs would resonate with the modern audience, but that's not the case.
Although she appears wise and strong-willed, Eloise is rather dull and pretentious. She has good ideas, but her stubbornness and lack of experience prevent her from seeing the world as it is. Eloise is incapable of seeing what she's doing wrong and what she could improve to make things better. She's too complacent, which was especially evident in the whole situation with Penelope.
The Opposite of Sagacious
Eloise thinks she understands the world and people perfectly. Yet she couldn't even imagine that her best friend could do something as profound as Lady Whistledown's column. In this respect, Penelope was right to call Eloise out for envying her accomplishments. The Bridgerton girl has lived a sheltered life in her ivory tower of a house, and she lacks the creativity to do anything of her own. More importantly, it's shocking that Eloise didn't understand the person she was closest to, which raises the question of whether she's smart at all.
'I love Eloise, but she has literally never once picked up that Pen has been in love with her brother for years. This is where I don't understand everyone's idea of Eloise as a feminist leader because she is not. She just does not have the experience nor the awareness to be in that role,' one Redditor observed.
Anyway, it will be exciting to see how Eloise's story unfolds in Season 3, which premieres May 16.
Source: Reddit.