Season Three, Episode Four: A Birth and a Death

Jill:  "Class warfare" is evident as Sybil's labor progresses. The aristocratic Sir Phillip, "the childbirth expert"

       does not take lightly to his authority being questioned by the middle-class Dr.      Clarkson. LordGrantham cannot look past the class of the doctors and takes the side of Sir Phillip. This does not bode well for Sybil; after the birth of the baby she succumbs  to pre-eclampsia.  This "medical class warfare" ultimately leads to a major conflict between Cora and Richard.

Martha: Richard admits fault to some extent, but I have to wonder if he aware that his belief in the superiority of his class has impacted his thinking and decision-making. If Cora has not been so upset, would  Richard to have come to any level of taking responsibility. Cora's "American-ness" comes through as she only wants what is practical and expedient to be done rather than following the strict rules of class.

Jill: Class aside, Cora says we can't forge Tom, he is married to Sybil and his input must be considered as well. The Dowager says" yes, the decision lies with the chauffeur". Cora sees things as they are rather than through the rose-colored glasses of class.

Martha: The class issue concerning Tom and the baby are evident in the snobbery of Carson as well.

Carson inquires of Mrs. Hughes, "What will we do about Branson now?" To which Mrs. Hughes replies, " We will show him we are kind people".  Thomas takes Sybil's death very hard however. He and Sybil worked together at the hospital. He says Sybil was the only one who showed me kindness.

Jill: Mrs. Crawley takes it upon herself to bring Ethel into her house as an employee. This of course causes Mrs. Byrd to quit. Those at Downton Abbey are told that they cannot go to Mrs. Crawley's house for fear that Ethel's lifestyle will bring shame upon the ladies of the house.

Martha: Mrs. Crawley seems to feel that she is immune to the actions that she has taken with Ethel. In her mind, she feels superior to the upper class with their rules and regulations.

Jill: Edith is trying to recover from being jilted at the altar. However, when she is asked to write more, my writing is appreciated, her father disapproves and she feels that nothing she does is right. It seems that in the family's eyes, Edith is doomed to be a failure. Even though those outside the family don't perceive her that way.