VICTORIA & ABDUL

1. Class in Victoria and Abdul: Deshani

Power Dynamics: The film portrays a significant disparity between the British ruling class, represented by
Queen Victoria, and the Indian servant class, embodied by Abdul Karim.

Imperialism:

2. Gender in Victoria and Abdul:

Queen Victoria’s Role: As a powerful female monarch in a male-dominated society, Queen Victoria's
relationship with Abdul complicates traditional gender roles.

Women's Identities: Despite being Queen, Victoria faces constraints typical of the era’s expectations
for women.

3. Interplay of Class and Gender:

The relationship between Victoria and Abdul breaks class boundaries but is still affected by power
imbalances, both due to class and imperial authority. Gender dynamics also play a role in this power
exchange.

Deshani-In *Victoria and Abdul* (2017), the theme of class is central to the film's narrative, highlighting
the stark contrasts between the British ruling class and the colonial subjects of India. Here’s a breakdown
of how class is explored in the film:

The film *Victoria and Abdul* (2017) presents a multi-layered portrayal of the **class system**, both in
the context of Victorian Britain and the broader imperial framework. By examining the relationship
between Queen Victoria and her Indian servant, Abdul Karim, the film critiques and illustrates the
rigidity and injustices inherent in class structures, while also exploring moments where these barriers are
challenged.

### 1. **Rigid Class Hierarchy in Victorian Britain**

- **Class and British Aristocracy:** The British class system in the film is portrayed as deeply
entrenched and hierarchical. The aristocracy, particularly Queen Victoria’s courtiers, are fiercely
protective of their status and view the social order as a natural, immovable system. Their contempt for
Abdul Karim is largely rooted in their class prejudice, as they see him not only as a racial outsider but
also as someone who does not belong to their elite social circle.

### 1. **Representation of the British Class System**

- **Queen Victoria** embodies the highest echelon of the British class system, as the monarch and
head of the British Empire. She is surrounded by courtiers, politicians, and servants, all of whom are
deeply aware of their class positions. The rigid social hierarchy of the British elite is made evident in the
way these characters navigate their roles, particularly their interactions with the Queen.

- **Servants and Staff:** The film shows how the lower-class British individuals who serve Queen
Victoria are given more respect and privileges than Abdul, despite his close personal relationship with
the Queen. This highlights class distinctions within British society itself.
Eg-; The British aristocracy in the film is depicted as being highly protective of their privileged
positions. For instance, the courtiers’ resentment towards Abdul’s close relationship with Queen
Victoria is not just based on race but also on class. They see Abdul, a servant from India, as a threat to
the established social order, and his rise in status disturbs the court's rigid hierarchy.

- **Deference and Servitude:** The courtiers’ interactions with Queen Victoria reflect their
internalized belief in deference to higher status. Their subservience to her power, despite private
disagreements, reveals how class rules their behavior. Similarly, Abdul's initial status as a lowly servant
underscores the Victorian notion that one’s birth and social rank predetermine one’s place in society,
whether one is British or Indian.

### 2. **Abdul’s Social Mobility and Class Tensions**Abdul’s disruptions of the class system

- **Abdul’s Rise in Status:** Abdul Karim’s rapid ascent from a humble prison clerk in India to Queen
Victoria’s personal confidant, or "Munshi," destabilizes the traditional class hierarchy. His promotion is
met with hostility by the British court, not only because of his race but because it challenges the
established class order. Abdul's rise illustrates how the British class system is fiercely resistant to any
form of mobility that is seen as undeserved or unnatural.

Abdul’s Class Transformation: Abdul begins the film as a lowly clerk in India, chosen to present a
ceremonial coin to Queen Victoria during her Golden Jubilee. However, his rise in status after he
becomes the Queen’s confidant challenges the entrenched class structures of Victorian England.

Eg- The courtiers’ growing discomfort is evident in scenes where they openly express their disdain for
Abdul’s presence. They attempt to undermine him and even try to manipulate Queen Victoria into
distancing herself from him. This reflects the deeply ingrained class prejudice in British society, where
an outsider like Abdul is not supposed to have access to the inner circle of power,

### 2. **Abdul Karim and Colonial Class Structures**

- **Abdul’s Initial Status:** When Abdul Karim arrives in England, he is an Indian servant, a
representative of the British-ruled colony. He is treated as inferior by the British, both because of his
race and his class, which reflects the broader colonial attitude of superiority that the British held over
their colonies.

- **His Rise in Status:** Over the course of the film, Abdul gains Queen Victoria’s favor and rises in
status within her court, becoming her "Munshi" (teacher). This rapid rise, from a low-class servant to a
confidant of the Queen, unsettles the British court, leading to tensions and resentment. Abdul’s
changing class status challenges the rigid class boundaries in British society.

- **Resistance from the British Elite:** The British aristocracy, including members of the royal
household and Victoria’s son Bertie, fiercely oppose Abdul's rise, seeing it as a threat to their own
privileges. They make several attempts to undermine Abdul, driven by both class snobbery and racial
prejudice.

- **Aristocratic Backlash:** The British aristocracy’s opposition to Abdul reflects their belief in the
inherent superiority of their class. His rise is perceived as an affront to their social standing. The
courtiers’ overt hostility and the conspiracies they engage in to discredit Abdul reveal how they view the
class system as a sacred institution that must be defended against those who threaten it, especially
someone they consider racially and culturally inferior.

### 3. **Intersection of Class and Colonialism**

- **Imperial Class Structure:** The film explores how the class system within Britain is mirrored in the
colonial relationship between Britain and India. Abdul, as an Indian, is seen as part of the colonized class
—subservient to British rule. His initial role as a servant reinforces the racialized class structure of
empire, where Indians are depicted as inferior to their British rulers. The film critiques this by showing
how Abdul’s humanity and intelligence are disregarded due to these ingrained colonial hierarchies.

- **Victoria as the Imperial Ruler:** Queen Victoria occupies the pinnacle of both the British and
colonial class systems. Her personal affection for Abdul challenges these hierarchies, but the film also
reflects the inherent contradictions of her role as the head of the British Empire. Despite her defiance of
class norms in her relationship with Abdul, she remains the symbolic figurehead of a system that
enforces class distinctions, both in Britain and across its colonies.

### 4. **Contradictions in Queen Victoria’s Role**

- **Victoria as a Class Transcender and Reinforcer:** On one hand, Queen Victoria defies the
expectations of the British elite by developing a personal relationship with Abdul, showing an
indifference to class and race that sets her apart from her courtiers. She elevates Abdul to a position of
influence, giving him power and status that he would never have attained in traditional British society.
On the other hand, her ultimate authority reinforces the class system. Even though she elevates Abdul,
the film never questions her supreme position as monarch, which reflects the continued centrality of the
class system.

- **Maternalistic Attitude:** Victoria’s treatment of Abdul can also be seen as patronizing or

“maternalistic,” implying that her affection and protection of Abdul is rooted in a kind of benevolent
superiority. This dynamic, while somewhat compassionate, still reinforces the broader imperialist and
class structures. It suggests that Abdul’s rise is not based on merit within a classless society but rather on
the Queen’s personal favor, a reminder that the system itself remains intact.

### 5. **Resistance to Class Fluidity**

- **Fear of Disruption:** The aristocracy’s resistance to Abdul's rise reflects a broader fear of class
fluidity. The film shows that the class system is designed to prevent social mobility, with the elites using
both overt and covert means to maintain their status. This fear is expressed through various characters,
particularly Bertie (Victoria’s son), who views Abdul as a direct threat to the established order. The
courtiers’ willingness to sabotage Abdul, including forging documents and conspiring against him, reveals
the lengths to which the upper class will go to preserve their dominance.

- **Inflexibility of the Class System:** The film critiques the inflexibility of the British class system by
highlighting its irrationality. Abdul’s rise is met with outrage, not because he has done anything wrong,
but because his success violates the unwritten rules of the class system. His treatment demonstrates
how rigid and exclusionary the Victorian class structure was, leaving little room for merit or individual
accomplishment to alter one's social standing.
### 6. **Class, Race, and Prejudice**

- **Class as a Cover for Racism:** While much of the resistance to Abdul is framed in terms of class, it
is clear that racial prejudice plays a significant role. The British courtiers are uncomfortable with the idea
of an Indian man gaining power and influence in the Queen’s court, and their objections to Abdul often
blur the lines between class-based and race-based discrimination. In this way, the film critiques how the
British class system is intertwined with racism, with both serving to reinforce social hierarchies.

Racism as a Component of Class Prejudice: The film demonstrates how class prejudice is closely
intertwined with racism. Abdul’s rise is not only resented because of his lower class but also because of
his race and status as a colonial subject.

Example: Abdul’s presence provokes racial slurs and demeaning comments from the courtiers, who
frequently remind him of his lower status based on both class and race. For instance, Bertie, Queen
Victoria’s son, and the future Edward VII, treats Abdul with thinly veiled contempt, repeatedly trying
to diminish his importance in the Queen’s life. This hostility culminates in scenes where the courtiers
demand that Abdul be sent back to India, revealing the depth of their class and racial animosity.

- **Exoticization of Abdul:** Though Abdul is elevated within the class system, he is still treated as an
outsider or curiosity. The film explores how his difference is exoticized by Queen Victoria, who is
fascinated by his foreignness. This highlights how class and race intersect in imperial Britain—while
Abdul can rise in status, he can never fully transcend the barriers that define him as "other" in British
society.

### Conclusion: A Critique of Class Inflexibility and Injustice

*Victoria and Abdul* critique the rigid, unjust nature of the Victorian class system, revealing how it
functions not only to protect the power of the aristocracy but also to maintain colonial hierarchies.
Abdul’s rise in status is used to explore the fragility of the British class system, showing how the elites
react with fear and hostility to any disruption. While Queen Victoria’s defiance of class norms is
portrayed as an act of personal independence,

### 3. **Colonialism and Class Hierarchies**

- **Class as a Tool of Control:** In the British Empire, class was not only a social structure within
Britain but also a tool used to maintain colonial control. Abdul’s original role as a servant reinforces the
hierarchy between the colonizer and the colonized. His deference to the British elite reflects the wider
system of control that British colonialism exerted over its subjects.

Eg-;The courtiers’ refusal to accept Abdul’s presence in the royal household is a reflection of their
belief that a colonial subject should not be allowed to rise above his station. This attitude is clearly
illustrated in the scene where Sir Henry Ponsonby and other members of the court express outrage
over Abdul’s influence over the Queen, stating that his presence is an affront to their British values
and traditions.

- **Victoria’s Attitude towards Class:** Queen Victoria’s personal disregard for class boundaries is a
key theme in the film. She values Abdul for his character and intellect, not his class status, which
contrasts with the rest of her court. However, the power dynamics in their relationship still reflect the
larger realities of empire, with Victoria ultimately holding power over Abdul.

V’S Rejection of class norms- Queen Victoria’s confrontation with her courtiers highlights her rejection
of class-based discrimination. In a pivotal scene, she angrily chastises her household for their behavior
towards Abdul, accusing them of being disrespectful not only to him but to her as well. By asserting
that Abdul has earned his position through loyalty and service, she undermines the idea that class is
an immutable, inherited status.

### 4. **Class Tensions in the Court**

- The British aristocracy’s reaction to Abdul’s rise shows the entrenched classism within Victorian
society. The courtiers are deeply uncomfortable with someone they perceive as a racial and class inferior
gaining such intimate access to the Queen. This tension reveals the insecurities of the British elite, who
fear losing their privileged status to someone from a lower class and a different race.

### 5. **Cultural Clash and Class Perception**

- **British vs. Indian Class System:** The film also touches on the differences between how class is
perceived in Britain and India. Abdul comes from a different cultural background, where class may
function differently than in Britain

The film reveals how class functions as a barrier, both within the British elite and in the larger colonial
context, while also showing the fragility of class distinctions when confronted by personal
relationships and individual merit.

Class and the End of Abdul’s Influence;

Abdul’s Fall from Favor: After Queen Victoria’s death, Abdul’s fortunes drastically change. Without the
Queen’s protection, he is quickly stripped of his titles and privileges and forced to return to India,
which shows how precarious his position always was within the rigid British class system. His rise was
entirely dependent on Victoria’s favor, and without her, the entrenched class and racial structures
reassert themselves.

Example: Bertie’s ruthless treatment of Abdul after Victoria’s death serves as a reminder of how class
structures were maintained by those in power. Abdul is evicted from the royal household, and all
records of his relationship with Victoria are destroyed, reflecting the enduring strength of the British
class system and its resistance to change.

The theme of **gender** in *Victoria and Abdul* (2017) is explored through the complex roles and
identities of Queen Victoria and Abdul Karim, both in relation to each other and within the broader
Victorian society. The film presents a critical look at how gender roles, power dynamics, and
expectations shape the characters’ actions and their perception by others.

### 1. **Queen Victoria and Gendered Power**

- **A Woman in Power:** As Queen of the British Empire, Victoria holds immense political and social
power, which defies traditional gender roles of the time. Victorian society was largely patriarchal, with
women expected to occupy domestic, subordinate roles. However, Victoria, as a monarch, embodies a
unique combination of authority and femininity, making her both an exception to and a representative of
broader gender dynamics.

- **Isolation and Loneliness:** Despite her power, Victoria is depicted as isolated, both socially and
emotionally, partly due to the expectations placed on her as a woman. Her court treats her as an aging,
distant figure, reinforcing her loneliness. The film uses this to highlight the tension between her public
persona as a powerful leader and her private need for human connection, a common struggle for
women who occupy positions of authority in male-dominated societies.

In the film, Victoria is often seen as an isolated figure, surrounded by male advisors and courtiers who
patronize her. They view her relationship with Abdul with suspicion, reflecting their belief that she is
being influenced emotionally, rather than making rational decisions. This critique is gendered: as a
woman, her emotional connections are seen as potentially compromising her leadership, even though
a male monarch might not face the same scrutiny for similar actions.

- **Maternal Role:** Victoria’s relationship with Abdul is often framed in terms that evoke maternal
affection. She becomes protective of him, seeing him as someone who provides her with comfort and
companionship. This dynamic can be seen as reinforcing gendered expectations of women being
nurturing and caring, even when they hold positions of power.

In several scenes, Victoria defends Abdul from the insults and condescension of her courtiers, much
like a protective mother

### 2. **Gender and Abdul’s Position**

her bond with Abdul can be seen as a response to the emotional and intellectual isolation imposed on
her. The film portrays her as longing for meaningful human connection, which reflects the broader
gender expectation that women, even those in power, seek emotional support.

- **Subversion of Gender Roles in Service:** Abdul's role as a male servant challenges some traditional
gender expectations, as service roles were often feminized or seen as subordinate to male authority.
Abdul’s deference to Queen Victoria, and his willingness to perform domestic duties, contrasts with the
dominant expectations of masculinity in both Victorian and Indian contexts, where men were expected
to assert their authority, especially over women.

Example: Abdul’s behavior toward Victoria is marked by deference, care, and attention, all of which
challenge the dominant expectations of masculinity in both Indian and British societies. His servitude
to a female monarch further complicates his masculine identity, as Victorian masculinity was often
defined by power

The courtiers, in turn, treat Abdul with disdain, as they see his closeness to the Queen as a violation of
both racial and gender norms.

Victoria’s Defiance of Gender Expectations

Breaking Female Stereotypes: Queen Victoria’s leadership as a woman defies many of the traditional
gender roles of the time, which confined women to domestic and subservient positions. However,
despite being the most powerful woman in the world, she faces constant gender-based judgment,
particularly regarding her personal decisions. The film presents her as a figure who consciously
chooses to defy these expectations.

Example: When the courtiers and her son Bertie demand that Abdul be sent away, Victoria fiercely
defends him, challenging not only class and racial prejudice but also the gendered assumption that she
is incapable of making rational decisions about her relationships. In one pivotal scene, Victoria angrily
reprimands the court, stating, "I am the Empress of India! I will decide." This declaration reinforces her
authority,

Criticism of Women’s Emotionality: Victoria’s defiance also exposes the double standard in the way
women in power are viewed. Her attachment to Abdul is portrayed by her advisors as an irrational
emotional connection, whereas a male ruler’s emotional connections might not be scrutinized in the
same way. This reflects a broader societal view that women are ruled by emotion, whereas men are
seen as rational decision-makers.

### 3. **Intersection of Gender and Colonialism**

- **Gendered Imperialism:** The film critiques the gendered dimensions of colonial power. Queen
Victoria’s dominance over Abdul, despite her affection for him, is still underpinned by the larger reality of
British imperialism, where she, as the Queen, wields ultimate power over her colonial subjects. While
the film tries to depict a personal bond that transcends these barriers, the unequal power structure
remains evident.

- **Abdul’s Masculinity Under Scrutiny:** Abdul’s masculinity is constantly questioned by the British
aristocracy, who are uncomfortable with his rise in status. His closeness to Queen Victoria is seen as
emasculating by the British elite, who perceive him as overstepping his racial and gendered boundaries.
This serves as a critique of how Victorian society policed both racial and gender roles, with Abdul being
treated as a threat because he challenges the established order of white male dominance.

### 4. **Gender and Public Perception**

- **Victoria’s Femininity Questioned:** Despite being the monarch, Victoria is not free from
gendered scrutiny.

The Scandal of the Queen’s Relationship: The public perception of Queen Victoria’s relationship with
Abdul is a key point in the film, revealing how gender influences the judgment of women’s private lives.
Victorian society expected women, especially elderly widows like Victoria, to lead more reserved, private
lives. Her open attachment to Abdul, a much younger man from a colonial background, is seen as
scandalous, which highlights the gendered expectations placed on women regarding their relationships.

Example: The British court’s discomfort with Victoria’s relationship with Abdul is not solely due to
class and race; gender plays a significant role. The idea that an older woman could have such a close
bond with a younger man threatens the norms of Victorian propriety. The film subtly critiques how
women’s personal relationships, especially those that challenge social norms, are often viewed
through a moralistic, gendered lens.
 - **Double Standards in Gendered Criticism:** Victoria’s son, Bertie, and the courtiers treat her
relationship with Abdul with suspicion, often suggesting that it is improper for a woman in her position
to be so close to a male servant. This critique is gendered, as a male monarch would likely not face the
same level of scrutiny for such a relationship. The film highlights the double standards women in power
face, particularly when they form personal relationships that challenge social conventions.

### 5. **Gendered Expectations of Women’s Roles**

- **Victoria’s Defiance of Traditional Roles:** Victoria, as an older woman, defies the typical
expectations of femininity by maintaining her authority and independence. She refuses to conform to
the idea that women, particularly elderly women, should fade into the background and relinquish power
to male successors. In this sense, the film portrays her as a figure who challenges gender norms,
asserting her right to make her own decisions, regardless of societal judgment.

- **Society’s Reaction to Victoria and Abdul’s Relationship:** The scandalized reaction of Victoria’s
court to her relationship with Abdul can be seen as a critique of how Victorian society policed women’s
behavior, especially when they stepped outside their expected roles. The courtiers’ discomfort with
Abdul is as much about their discomfort with Victoria’s defiance of gender norms as it is about race and
class.

Victoria’s Masculine and Feminine Identities

Balancing Power and Femininity: The film explores how Victoria navigates her dual identity as both a
monarch with traditionally "masculine" authority and a woman subject to the gendered expectations
of her society. As a monarch, Victoria wields absolute power, but as a woman, she is expected to be
nurturing, maternal, and self-sacrificing. The tension between these roles is a central theme in the
film.

Example: In her private moments with Abdul, Victoria reveals her vulnerability, discussing her
loneliness and weariness. These scenes contrast with her public persona as a powerful ruler,
highlighting the gendered expectations that even a queen must grapple with in her personal life.
Despite her position of immense authority, Victoria’s private struggles with loneliness and her need for
emotional support are consistent with the gendered expectations of women in her era.

### Conclusion: Critical Gender Dynamics in *Victoria and Abdul*

The film *Victoria and Abdul* presents a critical examination of gender dynamics, particularly through
the character of Queen Victoria, who both embodies and challenges traditional gender roles. While she
holds immense power as a monarch, she is also subject to gendered expectations and scrutiny,
particularly in her relationship with Abdul. On the other hand, Abdul’s role subverts traditional gender
norms, as his position as a servant complicates typical ideas of masculinity. The film underscores how
gender, like class and race, plays a central role in shaping the characters’ identities and the power
structures they navigate.