We realize early in The King's Speech that Bertie is badly intimidated by his father and older brother. We also know that no one in his family really believes in him except his wife.
In some ways, Elizabeth is the hero of this movie. After all, she's the one who never gives up on Bertie improving his speech. She's the only reason he goes to Logue in the first place. So in the end, Bertie's family is both the cause and the possible cure for his problems.
Questions about Family
- Do you think Bertie would never have developed a stutter if he'd been treated differently as a child? Why or why not?
- Name three ways that Bertie's wife Elizabeth significantly improves his life.
- Do you think that things would have worked out better if Bertie's brother David had stayed on the English throne? Why or why not?
Chew on This
Take a peek at these thesis statements. Agree or disagree?
In The King's Speech, we learn that your family is more likely to mess you up than they are to raise you well.
The King's Speech shows us that family is the first and last place we should always feel safe.