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Having come from an orphanage, Beth’s outdated clothing and hairstyle immediately stand out within her high school.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 were determined by either her living situation or her mother. With prize money from successful chess tournaments, Beth has the freedom to make her own sartorial decisions. Beth enters chess tournaments independently and leaves each one with more self-autonomy, as represented by each new outfit.
Following the final formal game of the show, Beth wanders the streets of Russia in an all-white outfit. Beth’s matching white coat, pants, and beret are symbolic of the white queen chess piece. Not only is she more glamorous clothing-wise, but Beth also conducts herself with an elegance that was absent in her early and teenage years. Beth navigates the streets with confidence, whereas before, she would slouch and look down in an effort to avoid attention. Her outfit is significant because she is now the “queen” of the chessboard-- the chessboard being the world. Beth has utilized clothing to transform years of mockery into a tool of empowerment.
Having come from an orphanage, Beth’s outdated clothing and hairstyle immediately stand out within her high school.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 were determined by either her living situation or her mother. With prize money from successful chess tournaments, Beth has the freedom to make her own sartorial decisions. Beth enters chess tournaments independently and leaves each one with more self-autonomy, as represented by each new outfit.
Following the final formal game of the show, Beth wanders the streets of Russia in an all-white outfit. Beth’s matching white coat, pants, and beret are symbolic of the white queen chess piece. Not only is she more glamorous clothing-wise, but Beth also conducts herself with an elegance that was absent in her early and teenage years. Beth navigates the streets with confidence, whereas before, she would slouch and look down in an effort to avoid attention. Her outfit is significant because she is now the “queen” of the chessboard-- the chessboard being the world. Beth has utilized clothing to transform years of mockery into a tool of empowerment.
Throughout her life, Beth has struggled with finding her place, whether that be socially, romantically, or personally. As Beth’s skill level improves, she becomes a more stable character, with the control within her chess games manifesting itself in her outfits.
This sounds so cool! I find it super interesting how Beth’s growth into a more independent and mature person is represented through her clothing choices throughout the show and that they seem to directly connect to her passion and success in chess, which is what helps and grows alongside her. The last outfit that you describe sends a powerful message as well about her freedom and how much she evolved. I think that it’s a great way to symbolize the end of her coming-of-age journey (at least in the show) as she becomes the “queen” of her own life, able to make her own decisions and not be directly controlled by her mother or her surrounding environment, as you discussed.
ReplyDeleteI actually haven’t seen the show, but it sounds awesome! Thanks!
I really like how you talk about Beth's relationship with fashion and clothes. As she grows up, her style changes so much, from simple because she can't afford anything else, to extravagant, to classic. Her journey into adulthood is really condensed into her outfits. As she finds her self confidence, her style changes again. I love the symbolism of the final outfit, it's absolutely perfect for the show!
ReplyDeleteI feel like this example of coming-of-age is so cool because it's honestly one that I think a lot of teens can relate to. While their clothes might not necessarily seem as out-of-place like Beth's were, a lot of people can relate to not feeling "dressed up enough" or their clothes being different from their peers. Personally, there's definitely been times that I felt embarrassed or scared to wear a certain clothing piece/outfit because it wouldn't fit into the event I was attending or the people I was hanging out with but recognizing it similarly to Beth, clothing is a statement and acceptance of your own preferences and who you are in a way. I love the way you described the last outfit (the white queen chess piece) because it really ties things together and is just such a powerful image.
ReplyDeleteI've been hearing about "The Queen's Gambit" constantly and it was really interesting to finally read what it was about. It's really interesting how she expresses coming of age through fashion, I think that's something a lot of people can relate to. It's also a phenomenal visual tool for displaying what is usually a more internal process. That's also something that a TV show can use to it's advantage to convey it's message in an even more powerful way.
ReplyDeleteI've heard of "The Queen's Gambit," but I haven't watched it yet. It looks like I will give it a try. It's really interesting how both Beth's fashion and chess are external signals of her maturation and identity, and I'm interested to see how her class/socioeconomic background influenced how she thinks about fashion and herself. It also seems like "The Queen's Gambit" is the ideal coming-of-age narrative, one in which the protagonist fully comes-of-age, whatever that may entail.
ReplyDeleteI started watching The Queen's Gambit and although I haven't gotten around to finishing it, it's so interesting to hear how Beth's growing maturity and chess skill are connected to how she expresses herself through her clothing. I really like the metaphor of Beth as the queen of her own chessboard, since it solidifies the clearer and more mature way she's come to perceive her world.
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