MovieChat Forums > The Duchess (2008) Discussion > Did the Duke Do That to Georgina in Real...

Did the Duke Do That to Georgina in Real Life?


Rape her? Or was that just fiction? That scene made me wish it were .

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In real life there is no evidence of a rape of any sort. Georgina wanted a male heir just as much as the Duke did. He would not have had to rape her, nor was he the rapist type based on what i've read.

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What exactly is a 'rapist type'?

Given that there exists date rape, gang rape, marital rape, child rape, prison rape, acquaintance rape, war rape and statutory rape there likewise exists a wide variety of offender profiles or 'rapist types'.



~ Eagles may soar but weasels don't get sucked into jet engines

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nor was he the rapist type based on what i've read.

Most rapists aren't seen as the type (not that I'm saying he was in real life)

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Back then, a woman had no right to refuse her husband his "rights". So technically, there was no rape. But it is not completely out of the question to think that he forced himself on here. It was often done back then to put a woman in her place.
Sadly, women in history have been seen as little more than chattel. They were to be an advantage to their husbands...and were to accept anything that their husbands decided...(hence, her having to deal with living with Bess, which by the way would have been a huge scandal.) and had little to no say in matters other than decorating or fashion.

*The only cure for ignorance is knowledge.*



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Thank you andilea, that is a very sensible/logical/accurate reply. Love your signature, BTW.

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No problem. I am a history nut and really like regency or medieval settings. Glad to be able to answer you.

*The only cure for ignorance is knowledge.*



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TOTALLY AGREE, ITS SO SIMPLE TO SAY BUT TO LIVE IT MUST HAVE BEEN VERY HARD. HOW COULD THEY REALLY LOVE LIVING IF A WOMAN OF ROYALTY WAS A SERVANT HERSELF... IF ANYTHING SHE WAS WORSE THAN A SERVANT. I TELL YA WOMEN NOW A DAYS DONT KNOW HOW GOOD THEY GOT IT.

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Yes, we do!

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lol well its some of them who dont know how good they have it... hehehe

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it wasn't considered rape in those days if a husband did it to his wife. i believe that it was only considered so by law in britain at around 1990. it was an entirely common occurance and it was considered normal for it to happen within a married couple even up until a few decades ago

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Unknown. But as others have stated, it was not legally considered rape.

However it was obvious by the terrified expressions on the servants, the children and Bess that they knew Georgiana was being attacked.

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