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The Brats of Bridgerton: Using Archetypes to Analyze Complex Characters and Controversial Scenes
I resisted watching Bridgerton for a long time, but over the winter break, I finally gave in and started watching the show. Despite being late to the party, I couldn’t resist the temptation after seeing my social media feed filled with people attending The Bridgerton Experience. And, as someone who has read most of the Regency writers, from Mary Wollstonecraft to the Marquis de Sade, I was interested in seeing the modern take on a classic period.
Following the narrative of the Bridgerton family, the series is set in Regency London and depicts the romantic adventures of a cast of upper-class characters during the social season. In anticipation of Season 3, I have only watched one season, and I am pacing myself with Season 2. Still, while watching the show, I noticed a phrase spoken by the characters that caught my attention: “Reformed rakes make the best husbands.”
This quote often appears in romance novels and historical records. It has a camp vibe and is reminiscent of the type of throw-away…
