In the years since the Netflix series “Bridgerton” burst onto the scene, it has become a cultural phenomenon, a runaway success featuring Regency-era romance and palace intrigue wrapped in moments of bodice-ripping enthusiasm and unapologetic anachronism.
However, thanks to the new book “Bridgerton and Philosophy: Dukes, Debutantes, and Deep Questions,” a collection of essays edited by University of Maine professor of philosophy Jessica Miller and published by Wiley-Blackwell, we see that the series also provides an interesting lens through which to look at larger ideas.
The book is the latest entry in Blackwell’s ongoing Philosophy and Pop Culture series, which features essay collections that use a vast array of films, television shows and video games to highlight philosophical questions. The essays are conversational in tone and intended to be accessible to both general readers and devoted fans, allowing everyone to engage with the show in a whole new way.
“Bridgerton and Philosophy” features 22 essays exploring how the Netflix show and its prequel “Queen Charlotte” bring timeless philosophical questions to life — sometimes in a ballroom, sometimes in a bedroom and always with style.
Jessica Miller isn’t quite Lady Whistledown — or is she? — but the book she has assembled certainly uncovers some of the hidden truths regarding the people and places of “Bridgerton.”
UMaine News sat down with Miller for the following Q&A:
How did you come to participate in this project? What made ‘Bridgerton’ an apt framework for it?
“Bridgerton and Philosophy” is part of a series that introduces philosophy to lay audiences through popular culture. I have enjoyed writing essays for previous volumes. I thought “Bridgerton,” which is both a bestselling book series and a very popular Netflix show, would be a great addition. We can enjoy “Bridgerton” on one level as a swoony, opulent fantasy, but beneath the surface it touches on many important issues.
What are some of the benefits of viewing philosophical concepts through this sort of pop cultural lens?
Philosophy can seem impractical, outdated, or intimidating. But it’s none of those things, really. Philosophers have always been interested in the same questions everyone is curious about: What is happiness? What is love? What is friendship? Learning about philosophy through pop culture helps people see that philosophy is for now and philosophy is for everyone.
How long does it take for a book like this to come together? What does the process look like?
I pitched the idea to the publisher in spring 2024, so about two years. We put out a call for proposals, and had an amazing response from scholars all over the world. I worked closely with the authors to make sure the writing was insightful and witty. Their enthusiasm as fans really comes through. I love the idea that “Bridgerton” fans who get into online debates about …
[Spoiler alert: If you haven’t watched the first season, you may want to stop reading here.]
… whether Penelope should be forgiven for lying to Eloise about her secret identity as Lady Whistledown now have a thoughtful essay to read that brings philosophers’ work on deceit and moral repair into the discussion.
I imagine there are a lot of surprises that can spring from a collection such as this, but was there an essay that particularly surprised you and/or subverted your expectations?
Because “Bridgerton” is a romantic drama, I knew that topics like sex, marriage, and love would be ripe for analysis. But we also have essays on surprising topics like the sport of boxing and the significance of the Duke of Hastings’ stutter. And a few of the essays tackle public reaction to the show, especially in the way it addresses race, weight bias, and queer identity. One essay explores how nature is used in the show to help story arcs, reflect emotions, and feed innermost desires. Characters get up to all sorts of mischief in those Regency gardens!
Were you a fan of the show before working on the book? Any favorite character(s)?
I was a fan of Julia Quinn’s “Bridgerton” novels, and then, of course, of the show. Romance is often dismissed as unrealistic, bad, or just “women’s stuff.” But romance has a vast audience and the potential to do important cultural work. In very different ways, philosophy and romance are asking some of the same questions, about how to live a meaningful life.
One of my favorite characters is Lady Danbury. Her traumatic backstory is told in “Queen Charlotte,” the “Bridgerton” prequel series, and she remains an important character throughout “Bridgerton.” I admire her resilience, her kindness, and her wit.
Contact: Allen Adams, allen.adams@maine.edu
