Marxist Analysis Of Class Struggles In Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story (2023) TV Series

Abstract

This research aims to analyze class struggle and characterization in the TV series Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story (2023) using Karl Marx's theory of class struggle and Edgar V. Roberts' theory of character. The background of this research is based on the social phenomena in the series, which shows the different treatment between the old aristocrats and the new aristocrats in the context of The Great Experiment. This experiment is used by the royal family and the old aristocrats as a cover to maintain their power and dominance. The method used is descriptive qualitative with data analysis techniques in the form of observing dialogues and narratives related to class struggle and character. The results of the study show three main forms of class struggle in the series: they are false consciousness, class consciousness, and dominant ideology. All of them are reflected through characters such as Queen Charlotte, Lady Danbury, and Princess Augusta. Meanwhile, character analysis based on Roberts' theory shows that the characters in this series are portrayed in a complex way through speech, actions, other characters’ views, physical descriptions, and narration. The conclusion of this research is that the series not only presents a historical romance, but also expresses a social critique of unequal class structures, and features characters who develop significantly as a reflection of social dynamics.