Be not alarmed, dear reader. It appears this particular article contains no spoilers. While this writer quite enjoys the sting of ruining an experience, nothing is more tantalizing than suspense.
Enjoy,
Lady Wistledown
On December 25, 2020, the Netflix show Bridgerton premiered. The show captured the attention of audiences so quickly, it was renewed for a second season in January 2021. Bridgerton combines the elegantly baroque setting of early 19th century England with the romantic drama of The Bachelorette. It is debutante season, so all the eligible ladies of the most prominent households must find a man of high status. The main characters are Daphne Bridgerton and Simon Bassett. Bassett has just inherited the title Duke of Hastings, making him one of the more desirable bachelors. The show follows Daphne’s attempt to find a husband, as well as side plots about mistresses, feminism, and finding one’s place in a restrictive society. However, the most mysterious, and therefore the most interesting character is Lady Wistledown. She is an anonymous writer whose pamphlets are read by all. She seems to have eyes on everyone of importance, reporting on the most intriguing gossip. Lady Wistledown certainly has no lack of material, as scandal is an ever-present threat throughout the show.
The dangers of gossip are a recurring theme. Lady Wistledown’s pamphlets are featured prominently in every episode. Any inappropriate action can be weaponized by another, since reputation defines status. With regard to the threat of talking behind one’s back, Bridgerton offers a fascinating insight into Catholic morality.
Scripture contains a bounty of passages describing the immorality of gossip. Proverbs warns of associating with “a blabber” who reveals secrets (20:19). When describing the wickedness of fallen humanity, St. Paul states that “they are gossips” (Rom. 1:29). Simply put, speech and trust are important, and to misuse them to hurt another is a severe evil. As Christ proclaims, “it is not what goes into the mouth that defiles a person, but it is what comes out of the mouth that defiles” (Matt. 15:11).
Why is gossip considered such a terrible sin? Well, it goes against the most important commandment of loving our neighbor. Gossip turns the complex lives of others into fodder for ridicule. However, there is another commandment that is broken by gossip. According to the examination of conscience, the fifth commandment, “you shall not murder,” is disobeyed by gossiping (Exod. 20:13). To gossip is to murder another’s character. By spreading rumors or inappropriate information, one can ruin the life of another so much that their reputation is slain. The fifth commandment may be hard to break in its literal form, but people commonly act with cruel violence against others with their words.
The society of Bridgerton is so heartless because it depicts the death of forgiveness. If someone witnesses an evil act, rather than “point out the fault when the two of you are alone,” the characters threaten to spread the damning information like a cancer (Matt. 18:15). Rather than willing the good of one’s neighbor, the gossiper seeks to constantly usurp power from them. However, Bridgerton’s most troubling exposition of Catholic morality is how enjoyable it is to watch the show. As an audience, we love to witness the characters exploit each other and get revenge. The show reveals the most dangerous thing about gossip—it is fun. If it were not fun, people would not be tempted to do it. Though it is fine to watch fictional characters indulge in backstabbing, Bridgerton’s plot reveals what can happen if someone abuses speech in reality.
Photo courtesy of Netflix
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