The Duchess

     The internal conflicts that are presented in the film The Duchess clearly represented the role of the woman in these times and how it impacted them on an emotional level. The first quote that stood out to me from a more surface level standpoint was when the duchess was in a conversation with her husband about her clothing and she stated, “It’s just our way of expressing ourselves I suppose. You have so many ways of expressing yourselves where we must make do with our hats and our dresses.” Her husband was asking her why women’s clothing is so complicated and that was her response. When looking at the message behind her response, she is trying to get at the fact that women rarely get to express themselves, and the only way they actually can is by their choice of clothing. Even with their clothing, there isn’t much wiggle room because they all pretty much have to wear the same type of dresses. This was one of the first comments in the movie that stood out to me as condescending on the husband’s part because he knew that women really don’t have much of a choice at all in any situation. 

    Another quote that stood out to me that the duchess mother said was, “One has to accept one's responsibility. Certain obligations come with marriage...I know, it can be a bother. However it is only needed of you to give him a son. Then the occasions will become fewer and less determined.” The duchess was explaining to her mother that her husband never wants to talk to her and pretty much ignores her unless they are having intercourse, attempting to give him a son. In today’s day, if someone told their mother that, their mother would probably be infuriated. But, because of the time, the mother knew that that is just how life is as the wife of the duke, and that she just has to deal with it until she gives him a son. The duchess further states, “You’re right. How foolish of me to think that I should be able to converse with my husband,” which shows her internal conflict and how upset she is. I think the thought of being married to a duke sounds great but once you realize all that comes with it, it is very hard to live like that; the duchess wasn’t prepared for the emotional toll it would take on her.