This is a bit of a different type of story. It was written for an English project, but it is in the form of an essay of the different aspects of cultural differences between Merlin and the modern world.
Disclaimer: The BBC owns Merlin.
Cultural Differences: Merlin versus Modern Day
Television is used for many purposes. The most popular purpose is for entertainment. Even in the Great Depression they still went to the movie theater. Movies and TV help people escape everyday life. We can journey to other times, places, and worlds that may or may not have ever existed. One of the most common differences in culture is the past versus the present. A TV show that most prominently depicts these differences is the BBC show Merlin.
Merlin is set in Camelot, a legendary and fictional medieval kingdom in England. The show is based on the Arthurian legends. In this era, they had much more defined social grace and rankings. This is most clearly seen in Arthur's interactions. The most obvious tip-off is his servant, Merlin. Any royal, noble, or wealthy family can have a servant, and Merlin is Arthur's. Being a servant is considered a privilege. Merlin was appointed as Arthur's manservant after saving his life. Another aspect of the importance of standards is shown in dating and marriage. Prince Arthur was in love with Gwen, who was a mere maidservant. King Uther told Arthur, "The survival of Camelot depends on forging an alliance through your marriage." (Queen of Hearts) Rank was an important component in all parts of life, including jobs and marriage.
In modern day, there are many different levels of rank importance. It is, however, uncommon to have servants. Hiring people to do your work is acceptable. They can be considered servants, but nowhere near the level of those in Camelot. Marriage is 70% of the time for love. (Woman's Day) Marriage may be for other reasons including religion, arrangements, and financial aid. As opposed to the 'royalty, noblemen, and peasants' rankings of Camelot, now we have famous, rich, and politically important. Sometimes ranks can get a person ahead of others, but regardless of rank, we all have to follow the same rules and laws.
Although status has existed and will continue to exist forevermore, its interpretation is quite different and always changing. In Camelot, rank determined everything from jobs to friends to marriages. Nowadays, however, rank can only really get you into important parties and is merely a meaningless title to put in front of your name on paperwork.
Works Cited
Merlin. By Howard Overman. Dir. Ashley Way. BBC. 2010.
Woman's Day. Thirty percent of men would marry someone they didn't love. 23 February 2012. 6 June 2013 lifestyle/relationships/8424983/thirty-percent-of- men-would-marry-someone-they-didnt-love .