#harlots

harlots is so special to me because not only does it center lower class women, it specifically explores a class of women (sex workers) that are typically depicted as accessories in period pieces rather than actual characters. there is not one singular character that bears the burden of being the all encompassing representation of sex workers. so the effect that this exploitative industry has on women can be explored in multiple ways. this is best represented in the in polar opposite response to sexual trauma that margaret and florence have and how it impacts their relationships with their daughters. though both were forced into sex work, florence is riddled with shame and copes with it by turning to religion. she views her daughter as her redemption and therefore imposes her religious fanaticism on her. she believes if she can raise a “pure” daughter she can atone for her own “sins” and is gravely fearful of amelia following her footsteps. despite the fact that florence doesn’t continue the cycle of abuse via sexually exploiting her daughter (as margaret does) she does groom and shelter amelia to bear the burden of living her life for the sake of florence’s salvation rather than her own.

I've been re-watching some of Harlots, and it's interesting because I start to think "God, all of these characters are kind of terrible people to one degree or another"