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The Crown is a Netflix original series that has captivated audiences around the world. The show tells the story of Queen Elizabeth II’s reign from the early years of her marriage to Prince Philip in the 1940s to the present day. The Crown is a masterpiece of storytelling, acting, and production design. One of the most fascinating aspects of the show is its portrayal of British culture and language throughout the decades.
Created by- Peter Morgan
Original language- English
Producers- Andy Stebbing, Martin Harrison, Michael Casey, Andrew Eaton, Oona O’Beirn, Faye Ward
Production location- United Kingdom
Original release- 4 November 2016 –present
The British language has evolved over centuries, and The Crown does an excellent job of showcasing the language’s changes over time. The show’s writers have done their research and incorporated the language’s nuances into the dialogue, making the show an immersive experience for viewers. Here, we’ll take a closer look at how The Crown portrays British language and culture.
The Early Years
In the early episodes of The Crown, we see how British society was still very traditional and class-based in the 1940s and 1950s. The language used by the aristocracy was different from the language used by the common people, and this distinction is shown in the show. The aristocracy used formal language and spoke in a posh accent, while the common people used slang and spoke with a regional accent.
The show also portrays the British stiff upper lip attitude that was prevalent at the time. Emotions were kept in check, and people did not express their feelings openly. This is reflected in the language used, which was very formal and reserved. For example, in one scene, Queen Elizabeth II (played by Claire Foy) is informed of her father’s death, and she simply replies, “Thank you, Mr. Lascelles.” The scene is poignant, and the Queen’s understated response is a reflection of the British culture of the time.
The Swinging Sixties
The 1960s were a time of significant cultural change in Britain. The country was coming out of post-war austerity, and a new generation was emerging that wanted to break free from the old ways. This cultural shift is reflected in the language used in The Crown’s portrayal of the 1960s.
In the show, we see the rise of the counterculture and the use of slang and informal language. The Queen’s sister, Princess Margaret (played by Vanessa Kirby), is a reflection of this change. She is shown as a trendsetter who is comfortable with using informal language and slang. In one scene, she tells her sister, “I’ve met someone who makes me feel alive. And he’s a divorced man, and he’s a commoner. And I don’t care!” The language used in this scene is a stark contrast to the formal language used in the earlier episodes.
The 1970s and 1980s
The Crown’s portrayal of the 1970s and 1980s reflects the political and social changes that were happening in Britain at the time. The country was facing economic challenges, and the government was implementing austerity measures. This led to social unrest and strikes, and the language used in the show reflects this.
The characters in The Crown use more direct language and speak their minds more openly. For example, when Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher (played by Gillian Anderson) meets with the Queen, she is direct in her language and does not hesitate to express her opinions. The Queen, on the other hand, remains reserved and polite, reflecting the traditional values of the monarchy.
The 1990s and Beyond
The Crown’s portrayal of the 1990s and beyond shows the modernization of British society and language. The show depicts a more diverse and multicultural Britain, and the language used reflects this change. The characters use more inclusive language, and there is a greater acceptance of different accents and dialects.
