Mrs. Palfrey at the Claremont

I think this movie was pretty well-done, but I analyzed it in my new idealistic romanticism alert mode.  Mrs. Palfrey is a lover of Romantic Poetry , and her new gossip-loving peers disappoint her to desperation, understandably so. Until she meets Ludo, who is also a lover of Romantic Poetry, though the same age as her grandson whom she adopts as such, understandably so. But it is their connection as human beings that energizes them, not romantic poetry. So does Romantic Poetry make you a different sort of human being? I can criticize their escapism and emotionalism and sentimentality, but do not feel that the gossip-loving crowd (who self-medicate with alcohol) offers a viable alternative. But perhaps they are all using an escape of choice. Is there a more substantial difference between them? As a lover of Romantic stories, I feel that there is, but perhaps this is unsubstantiated. I, like her, enjoy retreating into my romantic world, undistracted by people with different affinities. I also enjoy solitude. People who like solitude tend to feel they have to justify themselves. Should each type just not judge each other? But beyond being a solitary person or not, there is the question of what is the nature of your thoughts while alone? I think there's a worthy goal of prayer while alone, and contemplation. But I'm sure there are unhealthy things to think about as well. I haven't decided what to think of romantic tendencies though. I believe it is a warped or inflated view of love, not that being in love is bad nor is experiencing that high when one falls in love. But I am coming to think that idolizing or expecting to always have that "feeling" is akin to always wanting to have a fancy meal, be very rich, or to always have access to one's drug of choice. I think we are given glimpses of peace, love, and joy that may not always last when we are denying ourselves, taking up our cross and following Christ amidst persecutions, trials, and hardships. But may He fill us with a deeper peace that transcends our circumstances as we find our joy, hope, and fulfillment in Him.