A Queen On and Off the Board: Coming of Age in The Queen's Gambit
The 2020 drama The Queen’s Gambit tells the story of Elizabeth Harmon, an orphan-turned-chess prodigy, and her path to success in the chess world. Throughout the show, the game of chess is seen as Beth's means of control and personal growth. As exhibited through her progressions in clothing choices, Beth’s maturity develops alongside her chess advancement. Having come from an orphanage, Beth’s outdated clothing and hairstyle immediately stand out within her high school. Her full-length skirts and clunky, brown leather shoes have become the main subjects of popular girls' ridicule. After winning prize money from a chess tournament, Beth eagerly purchases a new outfit in addition to her chess set and studying materials. She replaces her old, plain outfit with a new stylish plaid dress and a pair of trendy black and white Oxford shoes. This outfit marks the first of many with a checkered print, paying homage towards the chessboard that financed her freedom. Before, Beth’s outfits...