Gladys’ Necklace Breaks: Is It A Gilded Age Omen?

by

Heads up! Spoilers ahead for The Gilded Age Season 3, Episode 3 – “Love Is Never Easy”

I found myself in an unexpected predicament at the end of episode 3, “Love Is Never Easy,” in The Gilded Age season 3. My character, Gladys Russell (Taissa Farmiga), has reluctantly agreed to marry Hector, Duke of Buckingham (Ben Lamb) following my parents’ wishes. Even George Russell (Morgan Spector) couldn’t resist the grand plan Bertha (Carrie Coon) had for her daughter’s future. It seems like things are set in motion, but I can’t help but wonder what twists and turns this union might bring.

Gladys yearned fervently to elude marrying the Duke, whom Bertha had entered into a deal with. To rescue Hector’s financially strained estate, the duke was prepared to offer a substantial dowry in exchange for Gladys’ hand in marriage. Nevertheless, George ensured Gladys that she could marry for love, as he had done with Bertha.

In the end, Gladys’ desires didn’t matter at all, and even George admitted this by telling his daughter, “We can’t alter reality.” Unable to do anything else, Gladys was forced to become the Duke’s bride. Her body language clearly showed the youngest Russell’s deep-seated emotions.

Gladys’ Pearl Necklace Breaking Is Symbolic Of Her Engagement To The Duke

A Good Or Bad Omen For Gladys’ Marriage?

Following John Singer Sargent’s presentation of Gladys’ portrait, George and Bertha Russell made an official announcement: their daughter is betrothed to the Duke of Buckingham. As congratulations poured in, the future Duchess, modestly accepting them, tightly grasped her pearl necklace. However, in an awkward turn of events, the pearl necklace unexpectedly broke, causing pearls to scatter across the floor.

In simpler terms, the broken pearl choker that Gladys wears might be seen as a sign of trouble ahead in her marriage to the Duke. The show, “The Gilded Age,” seems to hint at this with Ada Forte’s (Cynthia Nixon) upcoming seance, suggesting potential difficulties for the future Duchess of Buckingham in the near future.

An alternate interpretation for Gladys’ pearl necklace breaking might actually signify a positive change: Since the conclusion of The Gilded Age season 2, Gladys has been under immense pressure, suffocating from anxiety about her future. Gladys aspired to marry Billy Carlton (Matt Walker), but he let her down. However, discarding her choker could represent Gladys finding her voice and asserting herself as Duchess of Buckingham.

There’s Hope For Gladys & The Duke After The Gilded Age Season 3 Episode 3

The Duke Doesn’t Seem Like A Bad Person

A positive aspect for Gladys is that her upcoming marriage to the Duke of Buckingham doesn’t appear disastrous. For the first time, Gladys and Hector had a significant conversation, which marked a pivotal moment in their relationship within The Gilded Age. Hector openly discussed his reasons for marrying her, and urged Gladys to maintain honesty between them. Fortunately, the Duke appears to be a considerate individual.

As a movie enthusiast, I can relate to how Gladys feels about her impending marriage and move to England with someone she doesn’t know or cherish. Bertha’s promises of riches, power, prestige, influence, and renown seem elusive to Gladys, not aspirations that she yearns for herself. Yet, from Bertha’s perspective, the possibility exists that these things might become appealing to Gladys once she becomes a Duchess. In other words, perhaps the allure of ‘The Gilded Age’ has the potential to liberate Miss Russell’s dreams.

Read More

2025-07-07 05:27