In stark contrast to most period dramas, where you build up to one kiss at the end, Poldark has never avoided a roll in the hay or several. More unusually, the women of Poldark not only engage in a bit of slap and tickle, but also sometimes enjoy themselves, too!
Jane Austen, queen of period dramas, kept her heroines (perhaps more realistically) constrained by society’s expectations. They tend to hang around waiting for a proposal, even when witty and heroic like Pride and Prejudice’s Lizzie Bennet. Flighty characters, like Lizzie’s sister Lydia, however, are generally punished for any sexual adventure: she is saddled with a worthless husband following their elopement.
The women of Poldark, by contrast, are rather good at using sex to their own advantage. They also don’t shy away from, er, “socialising” with other classes, which was a big British no-no around the turn of the 19th century. So, hold on to your tricorns as we take a look at the leading ladies of Poldark and how they successfully manipulate men and their own — often difficult — situations. You go girls!
Demelza
Demelza shows no hesitation in going for what she wants. Rescued from a beating by Ross, she was set to work in his household — and soon set her sights on her master. Seducing him by wearing one of his mother’s fine dresses (less weird than it sounds), a tumble in the sheets later and they’re married!
Fending off a lot of criticism from the snobby upper class — as well as continuing (and hypocritical) sexual attention — Demelza has forged a strong partnership with Ross. Their marriage is not without its troubles, however: Ross faces temptation from his former fiancée, Elizabeth, and Demelza is driven into the open arms of the dashing but tragic Lieutenant Hugh Armitage. Series 4 partially moves the couple to London, where sworn enemy George looks to make more mischief for them with the help of new villain Monk Adderley…
Elizabeth
Elizabeth has had a chequered love life. With first fiancé Ross presumed killed in the American War of Independence, she becomes engaged to his cousin Francis. Ross then returns to Cornwall, still very much alive. Awkward. That tension hangs over the first two seasons until Francis is tragically killed, but it gets a whole lot worse when slimy George Warleggan proposes (always seeking good breeding), and Elizabeth says yes — to his money! Ross and Elizabeth have a controversial sex scene in Series 2, which most likely results in her son, Valentine. They also share a “goodbye” kiss in season three, greatly upsetting Demelza.
More recently, however, Elizabeth and George have been united by his political ambition. Elizabeth has seemingly put his doubts over the parentage of Valentine to rest, and they are plotting for a bright—and rich—future, involving London. Good situation save, Elizabeth. Let’s hope it lasts.
Caroline
Caroline’s privileged upbringing causes trouble when she is attracted to local doctor, Dwight Enys. As a decent chap — but neither rich nor aristocratic — the entitled heiress works hard to land a declaration of his love. These two are not letting Ross and Demelza win in the drama stakes though, having survived objecting relatives, a secret engagement, a break-up, and Dwight’s imprisonment in France. Season four promises more heartache as they face further strain on their relationship after a new arrival.
Morwenna
Morwenna is the most tragic of Poldark’s ladies, trapped in a nightmare marriage to the odious Reverend Osborne Whitworth. Having allowed herself to be bullied into the match, she pines for her true love, miner Drake. They share a number of romantic (if innocent) rendezvous before Morwenna becomes pregnant — and Ossie seeks satisfaction with her sister, Rowella. Fair play to Rowella for taking on the toe-sucking reverend (*shudder*), incidentally. She uses her feminine wiles — and the vicar’s lust — to generate hush money. She’s characterised as rather a saucepot, though, and certainly lacking in scruples.
Anyway, once she’s given birth to John Conan, Morwenna bars Ossie from her bedroom, first on doctor’s orders and then on pain of death of their son. Extreme, yes, but have you met him?! Ossie’s appalling behavior must attract divine retribution soon though, right?
Emma
Although a more minor character, she’s nonetheless intriguing. Working-class Emma seems unwilling to settle down with enchanting preacher Sam — mostly because he is intent on saving her soul. Emma’s not sure she wants saving, though (the scandal!), and gossip grows surrounding the state of her, er, “maidenhood”. She maintains the power in their relationship, however.
Verity
It was a while ago now, but who can forget the thoroughly decent Verity, long thought left on the shelf, finally getting to marry Captain Blamey? Despite her close relatives’ disapproval (including Ross), Demelza riskily stepped in to assist with their clandestine courtship. After all, who is she to judge the difference in reputation between two people in love?
All episodes of Poldark Series 4 are currently available in the UK on BBC iPlayer. Series 4 premieres in the US on September 30.
