The Relationship between Lady Crawley and Mr. Pamuk in “Downton Abbey”
The relationship between Lady Crawley and Mr. Pamuk is purely amorous, since the two are attracted to each other sexually and not on the basis of mutual friendship. One bit of evidence in this regard is the fact that they have sex on the same day they meet. Moreover, the two have no long-term plans (for example, marriage) beyond their one-night encounter. However, other characters are involved in helping Mr. Pamuk and Lady Crawley engage in adulterous sex. In particular, Thomas is instrumental through his role of leading Mr. Pamuk to Lady Crawley’s room.
In the context of the early 20th century values, the liaison is not consistent with how most people would conduct a romantic relationship. For instance, it was custom for people to engage in courtship for a considerable time before having sexual intercourse. The casual way in which Mr. Pamuk seduces Lady Crawley, for example, by forcibly kissing her (Fellowes & Percival, Season 1, episode 3), violates the values of modesty and sexual decency of the time. In addition, it was unusual to have romantic relationships with persons outside of one’s lineage. Lady Crawley, an English lady, breaks this long-standing practice by having sex with an Arab, Mr. Pamuk.
The reactions of the other characters demonstrate that the relationship between Lady Crawley and Mr. Pamuk is out of the norm. For example, Lady Grantham, Crawley’s mother, joins her daughter and maid in secretly returning the dead Mr. Pamuk to his room (he died having sex with Lady Crawley). The purpose of this action is to hide the fact that Lady Crawley is engaging in premarital sex. If the rumors get out, it will ruin her marriage prospects. Nevertheless, if the norms of the times were not a factor, the two would have a more open relationship, and Lady Crawley may not be scandalized for having sex before marriage.
Reference
Fellowes, J. (Writer), & Percival, B. (Director). (2010). The one with Pamuk (Season 1, episode 3) [TV series episode]. In J. Fellowes, G. Neame, and R. Eaton (Executive Producers), Downton Abbey. ITV Studios.