MOVIE DISCUSSION GUIDE

Downton Abbey Based on the popular television show, “Downton Abbey” is an enthralling film capturing both the elegance and the struggles of an earlier time. Focusing on the Crawley family nda the staff that serves them and their estate, “Downton Abbey” showcases an excellent ensemble cast and storylines that cover the spectrum of emotions. Preparing for a visit from the King and Queen of England, we share a glimpse of the hopes, dreams, and challenges the Crawley family and their loyal staff face both professionally as well as personally and personally. Viewers are left with images of the grandiose as well as the simple and knowingsimple, knowing that both are beautiful in their own way.

© Focus Features LLC.

Programming Suggestions

This discussion guide is designed to assist educational programming after viewing the film “Downton Abbey.” Its purpose is to generate discussion based on social issues found within the movie and for program participants to reflect on themes that might be pertinent to them. Therefore, there are no “right” or Issues “wrong” answers to questions in this guide.

The discussion facilitator may choose to utilize one of the following activities as Social Class a means of developing discussion: • Invite a historian to come and discuss the class system of England in the Family early 20th century as well as how socio-economic status impacts our countries history as well. Self Identity • Create a bulletin board focusing on class systems around the world. Sexual Include images, charts, and infographics to highlight this form of social classification. Orientation • Visit a local museum to view artifacts and learn of the history of this time Relationships period. • Discuss with students and/or staff the issues members of the LGBTQ community face in their larger communities. Pre-Screening Questions

1. Did you watch “Downton Abbey” when it was showing on PBS? What is your opinion of the show and how it depicts the social system of the early 20thth century? 2. What does the idea of family mean to you?

Discussion Questions

1. Discuss the relationship between the Crawley’s and their staff. 2. At one-point Anna is talking with Lady Mary and Mary says that Anna has always been a friend to her. Anna replies, “I hope you are my friend as well.” What does she mean by this? 3. Have you ever been involved in a one-sided friendship or relationship? Discuss. 4. Mary voices concerns to Anna that maybe they should close Downton Abbey down and simplify their lives. What is Anna’s response? 5. Do large organizations, schools, companies have a responsibility to the communities they reside in? Why or why not? 6. Discuss Tom Branson’s unique relationship with the Crawley family and what they represent to him. 7. Can you love someone but not agree with them? 8. Tom is recruited to help assassinate the King of England. What does he do? 9. Do you agree with his actions? Why or why not? 10. How does Tom view himself and the separate lives he has led, both as servant and then family member? 11. Do you find yourself at times challenged between different ideas of who you are? Discuss. 12. As the estate prepares for the King and Queen of England to arrive Mary decides to ask Mr. Carson to resume his role as head butler. Do you think she was right in doing so? 13. How does Thomas Barrow, head butler, react to the decision? 14. How would you react if you were replaced from your job temporarily? 15. Buckingham Palace staff come and attempt to take over the running of the estate. How does the Downton Abbey staff respond? 16. Do you think Mary and/or Buckingham Palace’s staff were in the right or wrong to do what they did? Why or why not? Do you think Downton’s staff was in the right or wrong for what they did? 17. How would you have approached the situation? 18. Discuss Thomas Barrow and the struggles he faced both personally and professionally. 19. Are there still challenges members of the LGBTQ community face today in regards to their professional and personal life? Discuss. 20. Discuss Anna and how she is a leader within the staff. 21. How would you describe her leadership style? 22. Who would you say are the leaders in the Crawley family? 23. How do the Crawley’s support each other? 24. How is the Downton staff like a family? Discussion Questions - cont.

25. Discuss the relationships in the film: Tom and Cora, Edith and Bertie, Mary and Henry, Anna and John Bates, and Mr. Carson and Mrs. Hughes. What do these couples have in common? How do they support each other? 26. Why do you think the princess decided to stay with her husband? Would you have stayed? Do you think most marital problems can be worked through? 27. What makes a strong and positive relationship? 28. Why do you think Lucy’s mother, Maud, kept her identity hidden from others? 29. Was it the right thing to do? Why or why not? How has society changed in the view of children out of wedlock? 30. Discuss Tom and Lucy and how their relationship evolves. 31. Do you think the similarities in their lives make them understand each other better? 32. Do shared experiences make for stronger relationships? Why or why not? 33. Violet Crawley is the matriarch of the family. What role does she play in the family? 34. How would you describe her relationship with her friend Isobel? How do they support each other? How do they challenge each other? 35. Do you have a friend that challenges you to be a better person? Discuss. 36. “Downton Abbey,” the TV show and movie, is very popular in the United States. Why do you think this story resonates with so many people? 37. What are your takeaways from this film, this story?

1.888.267.2658 | www.swank.com/public-libraries