3,257
edits
Changes
→Characters and Accuracy
==Characters and Accuracy==
Versailles season Season 2 takes far more liberty with historical accuracy relative to season Season 1. In fact, some events begin to combine different periods in Louis' reign. Generally, the conflict with the Dutch, Affairs of the Poisons, common court feuds, including between Madame de Montespan and the queen, did occur, but the details were often likely different. Many characters are shown as jealous and power hungry, which is generally true from what we know. Various characters, including Fabien Marchel, who is the chief investigator and private enforcer, are fictional.<ref>For more on events around the court of Louis XIV, including conspiracies and events, see: <i>Funck-Brentano,Frantz and Maidment, George. (2010)<i> Princes and Poisoners, Studies of the Court of Louis XIV. </i> Nabu Press.</ref>
Louis XIV: This season shows Louis having more difficulties sleeping. In part, he seems haunted by his image and whether or not he would make a good king and leave a lasting legacy. His affair with Madame de Montespan causes problems for him, particularly at court, with the queen, and the church. The church was known to have rebuked Madame de Montespan, by refusing to give her communion, and trying to get Louis to end the affair. However, this never ultimately succeeded. He even eventually legitimizes his children with his lover, a move that caused a lot of anger in the church. Louis still shows himself being a strong character when it counts and making decisive decisions, despite his worries and deep stress.<ref>For more on Louis' reign from the 1670s to 1680s, see: Young, W.A. (2004)<i> International politics and warfare in the age of Louis XIV and Peter the Great: a guide to the historical literature.</i> New York N.Y., i Universe.</ref>
Prince Philippe: While the princes' homosexuality is a well known fact, other aspects of his personality were more fictional. For instance, it is not clear that the king and Prince Philippe ever had any open feuds to the extent they were depicted. Prince Philippe was known to have great skill in the battlefield, which is discussed in season Season 2, where it was found surprising that the king did not send him to fight the Dutch rather than lead the battle(even by William III). Historically, Phillipe did often lead in many of the major conflicts France was involved in. <ref>For more, see Barker, 2008</ref>
Madame de Montespan: Her character was developed perhaps more than any other character in season Season 2, as she now fights and tries to maintain her power position as the chief mistress to the king. Her hold on power is displayed, where Louis' ministers begin to question if she is having too much influence on the king and affecting his decision making in political areas. Her willingness to use whatever means needed to hold onto her power have some accuracy, as there is evidence she used her wit and charm to attain relatively high power for a period and was willing to poison her rivals.<ref>See Petitfils, 2009</ref>
Princess Palatine: She is the main one major character who is new characterin this season. She is shown as a naive princess when she arrives in court, dressed inappropriately and sometimes made fun of. However, it is clear she learns and finds a way to adjust to her role as the wife of Phillipe despite knowing she will never find deep love with him. In effect, she makes the most out of a difficult, political situation she was forced into. There is some truth to this, as Princess Palatine and Phillipe were reported to be relatively happy together despite the apparent sexual incompatibilities. They managed to have several children, who went on to be the chief Catholic line of European kings and queens in the decades and centuries after them. Many letters left behind by the princess have allowed scholars to more effectively understand her life and legacy.<ref>For more on Princess Palatine's role in court and her relationship with Philippe, see: Orléans, C.-E. & Kroll, M. (1998) <i>Letters from Liselotte: Elisabeth-Charlotte, Princess Palatine and Duchess of Orléans, ‘Madame’ 1652-1722.</i> London, Allison & Busby.</ref>
Marie-Thérèse: Her character becomes more religious, at least outwardly, in season Season 2, although this is suggested to be, in part, as a way to go against her rival, Madame de Montespan. There is likely truth to this, as the queen likely had relatively little power as Louis favored his mistress. However, in reality, Louis did continue to perform his royal duties and slept with Marie-Thérèse to produce legitimate heirs. His many mistresses indicates that neither she, nor Madame de Montespan for that matter, were effective in fully controlling Louis. She is depicted as a person trying to remove the general debauchery found at Versailles.<ref>For more on Marie-Thérèse and her conflicts in court, see: Fraser, A. (2007)<i> Love and Louis XIV: the women in the life of the Sun King.</i> London, Phoenix.</ref>
==Summary==
