从英剧《唐顿庄园》视角浅议爱德华时代英国贵族的礼仪文化_英语论文

A Brief Discussion on the Manners of the Aristocrats of Edwardian England in the Light of Downton Abbey

摘要

英国贵族的礼仪文化是这个绅士国度的重要标签，一直以来与法律、道德、制度互为表里，深深维系着贵族社会的人伦道德观念，帮助人们妥善处理社会关系，维持稳定的生活秩序。英国古典电视剧《唐顿庄园》以20世纪英国约克郡一个虚构的庄园——唐顿庄园为背景，通过描绘瑟姆伯爵一家由家产继承问题而引发的种种纠葛，呈现了英国上层贵族与其仆人们在森严的等级制度下的人间百态，其考究的服装布景，严谨的台词情节，充分还原了历史上的英国。本文通过《唐顿庄园》剧中的场景和细节从四个方面深入解析英国贵族礼仪文化：餐桌礼仪，婚姻，言行举止和着装要求,并探讨这些礼仪在现代生活中的运用。

关键词：英伦贵族；礼仪文化；《唐顿庄园》

Abstract

The manners of the aristocrats of England are one of the most significant labels for the kingdom of gentleman. It has been interdependent and mutually conditional with law, morality and system, deeply holds the ethical and moral concepts of the aristocratic society, helps people handle social relations properly and maintains stable life order. The most successful British classical drama series for a decade-- Downton Abbey sets in a fictional estate-- Downton Abbey in 20th century in Yorkshire. By describing all kinds of disputes caused by the family inheritance of the Lord Grantham, it shows the different attitudes of the British nobles and servants towards life in the strict system. The fastidious costumes and sceneries, rigorous dialogues and plots create a world that is true to Britain’s past. This paper will focus on four main aspects of the manners of English aristocrats: table manners, marriage customs, behavior standards and dress code depending on the scenes and details of the Downton Abbey and explore the applications of these manners in modern life.

Keywords: English aristocrats; etiquette culture; Downton Abbey

Contents

1. Introduction 1

2. Literature Review 1

3. The Manners of the Aristocrats of Edwardian England 2

3.1 Table manners 2

3.2 Marriage customs 3

3.3 Code of conduct 4

3.4 Dress code 6

4. Applications of the Manners in Modern Life 8

4.1 Ways of greeting 8

4.2 Points of conversation 9

4.3 Social intercourse 10

5. Conclusion 10

Works Cited 12