As a die-hard fan of Bridgerton, I must say that Regé-Jean Page’s portrayal of Simon Basset, the Duke of Hastings, has left an indelible mark on my heart. The man is a perfect embodiment of a Regency period rake, a charming rogue with a mysterious past and a penchant for mischief that keeps us all guessing.
Viewers of “Bridgerton” might have observed that the Netflix historical series is rich in Regency era jargon, and employs terms in ways that could puzzle a contemporary person. One term that stands out is “rake,” which, within the show’s setting, seems to denote a specific kind of individual – most notably, Regé-Jean Page’s character, Simon Basset from “Bridgerton.
In the first season, the Duke of Hastings, played by Regé-Jean Page, serves as the main romantic focus in “Bridgerton.” While he performs admirably as a charming male lead suitable for the show’s environment, is Simon actually a rake? Let’s explore the history behind this term and determine if it accurately describes the Duke.
What is the meaning behind the word ‘rake’ on Bridgerton?
In the context of “Bridgerton,” the word “rake” can be thought of as a short form of an old term from the 16th century called “rakehell.” This term referred to someone who was mischievous and agile, much like a fox or a rogue. By the time of the show’s setting in the early 19th century, the term had been shortened and is often used to depict a character type that’s both charming and morally questionable.
This individual exhibits a playful, free-spirited attitude, often avoiding making firm commitments, which may initially appear as untrustworthy behavior. However, upon closer inspection, they often reveal themselves to be a reliable person. In essence, one could compare this character type to the rogue figure frequently employed in romantic tales to introduce conflict and maintain intrigue.
Why Daphne called the Duke of Hastings a rake
The finale of “Bridgerton” Season 1 solidifies Simon Basset and Daphne Bridgerton (played by Phoebe Dynevor) as a formidable pair, yet their initial bond is significantly distinct. Notably, since Simon is a charismatic, somewhat disreputable individual who openly declares his aversion to marriage, the town considers him a playboy or a rake. Given this reputation, Daphne addresses Simon as such when they first encounter each other.
Daphne finds Simon distasteful because he’s a known womanizer, and since he’s Anthony’s (Jonathan Bailey) sibling, she keeps her distance. Assuming there’s no romantic spark between them, they decide to pretend to be romantically involved for social reasons. This arrangement, while predictably awkward, becomes more complex as societal expectations push them towards marriage and genuine emotions begin to surface. However, Daphne’s understanding that Simon is an unmarried playboy contributes significantly to their eventual union.
Is Simon Basset really a rake in the classical sense?
If we consider “rake” as a person who is a rogue yet essentially honorable, the Duke of Hastings fits this role perfectly. He certainly possesses an appealing charisma and zest for adventure, and his choice to remain childless indicates he has no intention of establishing a settled life.
Indeed, Simon Basset, much like a man who hides a noble heart beneath a roguish exterior, maintains an aloof façade for reasons deeply rooted in his past. His relationship with his strict and distant father, Richard Pepple, was tumultuous, leading him to vow against perpetuating the family lineage. This aspect of his past is not freely discussed, lending a touch of mystery and heartache to his portrayal as a rake — a romantic version with a haunted past.
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2024-11-11 18:00