The
In the Time interview, Stoppard is asked if he was surprised
by the affection people have for “Downton Abbey,” set in the same era. His
answer is interesting. Apparently, “Downton Abbey” didn’t exist when he started
writing his adaptation of “Parade’s End.” He simply loved the novel.
Brits adore reading and writing about aristocracy. But they
are not alone--so do Americans and other nationalities. The fascination is with
a code of honor and ethics that is antiquated but absorbing all the same because
it is part of the traditions of a larger than life culture in a unique
sociological context.
I confess to being quite taken by stories of British
aristocrats myself. My one published historical novel is a Regency for which I
enjoyed doing a great deal of research. It combines history and sensual
romance. I considered Jayne Ann Krentz’s endorsement/blurb for TEA LEAVES AND
TAROT CARDS a great honor--a book now available in all e-book formats as well
as print.
Let’s hope Tom Stoppard continues adapting great novels for
the media because he does it so well. It’s not surprising that he deconstructed
Shakespeare’s “Hamlet” into “Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead.”
As to “Downton Abby,” I have watched every episode with the
utmost interest and attention as well, but there are serious flaws. Perhaps
this series suffers from not being adapted from a quality novel as was
“Parades’s End.” However, the “Upstairs Downstairs” style of drama makes for absorbing
entertainment because character is key. The traditional aristocratic household
still captures the interest and imagination of the common man.
We are not just interested in the aristocratic past either.
How many people are following Kate Middleton’s pregnancy? The Duchess of Cambridge,
a former commoner, is married to Prince William and considered one of the most
influential people in the world.
What’s your thinking? As readers and writers should we be
interested in the aristocracy?
