i don’t think lily was calling victorian society specifically the light ellen was trying to cling to, though i do agree that if she was it would not be right
Emma Corrin also called the Hardings the “light”, and they are this early 19th century/Victorian/Biedermeier family role model, as Lily herself has explained; Anna is the woman Ellen aspires to be, but can’t because she has too much “darkness” within her.
Eggers is into historical accuracy, but when you know the historical context is hard not to cringe, yes. However, within 19th century context, being the “angel in the house” is the light, and seeking independence was madness and/or demonic (darkness), which is why Ellen finally having enough of Thomas bullshit is presented to the audience as a sort of demonic possession, and also Thomas having sex with his wife. All of this is shown as the work of a vampire for a reason.
Eggers’ films, at their core, are about how societal expectations weight on his characters, gender roles and sexuality, mostly. As he wrote on his essay to “The New York Times”, his supernatural monsters are not only handy scapegoats, but representations of his characters inner and outer demons. As such, Ellen has no sexual desire of her own (as was expected of women at the time); it’s the work of a vampire. Until she realizes her sexual desire is her own, hence her calling herself “unclean”. However, Eggers usually subverts these societal expectations, and Ellen finally embracing her “uncleanliness” is shown as something positive. Well, except for Thomas, it seems.
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