tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10178279.post3131365941687461916..comments2024-03-28T05:13:13.921-04:00Comments on Books, Inq. — The Epilogue: Class conflict ...Frank Wilsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18410473158808750903noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10178279.post-48035153111471889382011-02-19T13:34:02.405-05:002011-02-19T13:34:02.405-05:00All excellent points, per usual, Cynthia. As for w...All excellent points, per usual, Cynthia. As for what we are we missing now, I fear it may the next black swan.Frank Wilsonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18410473158808750903noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10178279.post-4125966595179880112011-02-19T13:16:44.518-05:002011-02-19T13:16:44.518-05:00Christopher Hitchens slammed the film as well, and...Christopher Hitchens slammed the film as well, and both writers have a point. While both deplore the upper-crust cosiness of it all, they miss themes that make the whole endeavor worthwhile -- that time plays out in forward motion, and everything comes out in the wash.<br /><br />I, for one, was relieved at the comparatively (and only comparatively) gentle treatment of Wallis Simpson. The Prince of Wales at that time had popular icon status, one that was not supported by any real strength of character -- and all that played out in forward motion. It was a bruising culture clash, as much as anything else, rather than of any overt villainy.<br /><br />The Duke and Duchess of Windsor's drift towards Germany, I believe, occurred mostly (though not entirely) after they were cut off from the government and no better informed than Diana and Unity Mitford. Similarly, George VI and his queen's affection for Chamberlain and backing of Halifax probably had more to do with class and elitism than informed political judgment. Which is, of course, the point.<br /><br />It's easy to go back and see what people should have seen in the 1930s, and their half-willed and comfortable blindness. But a more interesting question would be: What are we missing now?Cynthia Havenhttp://bookhaven.stanford.edunoreply@blogger.com