I love period dramas. They are exciting, educational (to a certain extent), and delightful to watch. Of course, they also make me feel like a somewhat "cultured" connoisseur of a rather simple form of entertainment, the television.
With that being said, one of my favorite period dramas is "Downtown Abbey," a show set in a fictional Yorkshire country estate in Northern England. The show follows the Crawley family, an aristocratic family in charge of the large estate known as Downton Abbey, during the post-Edwardian era in England.
There are many great things about the show: wonderful costumes, the fact that it covers some important historical events (sinking of the Titanic, outbreak of WWI, Spanish influenza pandemic, and the formation of the Irish Free State among others), the attractive male characters (looking at you Matthew Crawley), and so much more.
However, the show is about to end. Thus, in its honor, I would like to highlight what is arguably one of the best aspects of the show, the Dowager Countess of Grantham. By the end of the article, you will see why! Here are some of the most important lessons the Dowager Countess has taught me throughout our time together in the course of six seasons.
1. What is a weekend?
Hey, she has got a point. Why work certain days and not others? Why take breaks on certain days and not others? Why let industrialization rule your life? Work when you want. Treat yourself when you want. Do you all day, every day.
2. Believe in yourself, always.
Don't expect failure or even assume it. This line of thinking is beneath you, duh. You're a noble after all! So tread regally, superbly, and remember: you always win!
3.Vulgarity is no substitute for wit.
Remember, as a noble treading among commoners, your wit is of utmost importance. Show your grace, intelligence, humor, and worldly knowledge by using your wit when others would resort to vulgarity. Angry? Use satire to critique, not curse words.
4. Life got you down? Too bad.
Boyfriend dumped you? Failed a midterm? Missed that Black Friday sale? Too bad! Get yourself up and do something! Or mope around like you know Edith would.
Please, don't be Edith.
5. Stand true to your convictions.
Teacher says you're wrong? Friend says you're wrong? World says you're wrong? Nope. Remember, you are never wrong. So stand true to your beliefs and your convictions and let the world have a peace of your mind, just as the Dowager would.
6. Get rid of things that don't make you happy!
Love dogs but dislike cats? Trade your cat for a dog! Feel like you can't get that guy you've been eyeing? Well, forget him! He's not that important anyways. Don't want to write that essay? Well, that you probably should do.
But remember, don't be afraid to eliminate things from your life that do not make you happy! And subscribe to the ones that DO make you happy, like watching "Downton Abbey," of course.
7. Feel like this article didn't make sense? Well, remember,
8. But most of all, STAY FABULOUS!
Or else, the Dowager Countess of Grantham will be there to judge you.
