The unspoken rules of British emotions: Grief, humour, and embarrassment in Waller-Bridge’s Fleabag

This thesis explores the relationship between culture and emotions, with a particular focus on the British context and its significant influence on individual behaviour. By examining the interplay between social norms, social expectations, and emotional expression, this study aims to elucidate the emotional landscape of British culture. The first chapter explores the theoretical debate surrounding the universality of emotions, tracing its evolution from Darwin's hypothesis to contemporary theories, which have shifted towards a culture-specific understanding of emotional experiences. The second chapter delves into British social attitudes, concentrating on three culture-specific emotions: grief, humour, and embarrassment. To illustrate these theoretical insights in British contemporary society, the final chapter presents a case study of the TV series Fleabag, focusing on the three aforementioned emotions. Through the analysis of the show, the thesis shows how Fleabag both reflects and critiques British social norms and emotional dynamics.