r/BridgertonNetflix • • 21h ago

Show Discussion I don't think Eloise marrying Phillip means giving up her freedom

46 Upvotes

I don’t like the notion of Eloise being with Phillip meaning she loses her freedom or independence. In fact I think getting married even for show Eloise is probably the best thing for her.

Eloise currently has no real autonomy or independence just like the audience thinks lol. She’s still under Anthony Kate and Violet. She can avoid getting married because they let her, go on her rants because they’re supportive and let her and do what she wants because they love her and let her. I think this is where people confuse being accommodated with being independent.

Her family loves her and gives her room to be herself but they still have authority over her life. If Anthony decided Eloise was getting married and picked the first man he came across she would have very little say in the matter. Even if she remained a spinster her ability to live that way would depend on her family being willing to accommodate her. The freedom the audience thinks she has is largely a result of her family allowing her to have it. Not excusing it obviously.

This is why I find it annoying when people act like Eloise getting married automatically means losing her freedom. She’s already in a cage albeit one with a little more room to move around in.

Obviously marriage could restrict her even more but remaining unmarried doesn’t automatically make her free either. What matters is the kind of life she gets to live and how much control she has over it.

What Eloise needs is a marriage where she can hold on to her beliefs pursue her interests and have a partner who respects and supports her. This is why I’m not opposed to Phillip. Phillip has the potential to give her the kind of support and room to be herself that she needs even more than her family does.

I also find it interesting that people think Eloise can only be independent if she remains unmarried. Why is a woman who is still under her family’s authority automatically freer than one who marries someone who respects her autonomy?

If we’re going to talk about Eloise’s freedom and independence then we also need to acknowledge the hold her family has over her life and not just focus on marriage. Her family is part of the same system limiting her choices even when they love and support her. I just find it interesting that the audience is so worried about marriage taking away her independence when she doesn’t really have that much to begin with lol.


r/BridgertonNetflix • • 20h ago

Megathread Tea Time Thursday - Weekly Discussion

2 Upvotes

Talk about anything, Bridgerton-related or not. What's been on your mind? Our regular rules still apply, so please be respectful and watch out for those spoilers.