The Gilded Age: Why Mrs Chamberlain Is Outcast
HBO debuted The Gilded Age, a period drama spearheaded by the same creator of Downton Abbey, on January 24th and introduced many key characters, including the mysterious Mrs. Chamberlain, who has already been described as an outcast but never explained why. Set in 1882, the characters of The Gilded Ageare at the top of the wealth and societal food chain in bustling New York City. From the start, it is clear Mrs. Chamberlain is looked down on and disdained by the other high society women, but the reasoning still goes unanswered.
The Gilded Agerefers to the years between 1870-1900, in which New York City was notorious for a surge in industrialization that resulted in increased corruption and greed. Along with that came growing tensions between those with “Old Money” versus “New Money” — as status wasn’t based solely on the amount of wealth one possessed, but also how the wealth was acquired. Additionally, this was a time when the arts flourished — which is perfect for Mrs. Chamberlain as she is an art collector — and a new way of thinking began. Despite being from the same creator and centered on high society figures, Downton Abbeyand The Gilded Ageare different from each other in how The Gilded Agedives into American politics and wealth.
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Before the show’s release, HBO introduces Mrs. Chamberlain in her character biography as someone with a scandalous past. The theories of what makes her an outcast stretch from her facing the wrath of a judgemental society to something more sinister. She could’ve killed her husband, acquired her wealth in a corrupt or frowned upon way — or she could simply have a more progressive way of thinking compared to those around
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