Why does Mary not have a Scottish accent in Reign?
For many viewers of the historical drama Reign, one of the most persistent questions that arises is regarding the accent of the titular character, Mary Stuart. Despite the show ostensibly depicting the young Queen of Scotland, her vocal performance often sounds distinctly more British or even American than Scottish. This has led to considerable discussion and curiosity among fans. So, why doesn't Mary have a Scottish accent in Reign?
The primary reason for Mary Stuart's lack of a discernible Scottish accent in Reign is a deliberate creative choice made by the show's producers and writers. The intention was to make the characters, and particularly Mary, more accessible and relatable to a modern, international audience, especially the show's target demographic in the United States.
Accessibility and Modern Appeal
Historical dramas, while aiming for authenticity, also need to engage a broad viewership. The producers likely felt that a strong, authentic Scottish accent, which can vary significantly and be challenging for some English speakers to understand, might have alienated a portion of the audience. By opting for a more generalized British or even a neutral, vaguely European-sounding accent, they aimed to ensure that the dialogue was clear and easily digestible for viewers in America and elsewhere.
Adelaide Kane, the Australian actress who portrayed Mary, herself does not naturally possess a Scottish accent. While actors are often trained to adopt specific accents for their roles, the decision here was to lean away from a pronounced Scottish one. This allows the audience to focus on the character's emotional journey and the dramatic plotlines without the potential barrier of a thick accent.
Artistic License Over Strict Historical Accuracy
Reign, while drawing inspiration from historical events and figures, is very much a work of fiction. It is renowned for taking significant liberties with historical accuracy, from fashion and social customs to character relationships and even the lifespan of certain characters. The portrayal of Mary's accent falls under this umbrella of artistic license. The creators prioritized narrative engagement and character development over a scrupulous adherence to the linguistic realities of 16th-century Scotland.
Consider the historical context:
- Mary Stuart spent a significant portion of her formative years in France. She was educated at the French court and was deeply immersed in French culture. While she was of Scottish heritage, her primary language of education and her linguistic habits were heavily influenced by her time in France.
- Even when she returned to Scotland, the linguistic landscape of Scotland at the time was complex, with Scots and Gaelic being spoken. The educated elite would have had varying degrees of fluency and influence from other European languages, particularly French.
- It's plausible that Mary's accent, if she had one, might have been a blend of influences, perhaps even more refined or French-accented than a typical lowland Scots accent. However, the show does not explore this nuance.
The Actor's Performance
Adelaide Kane delivered a compelling performance as Mary, conveying the character's strength, vulnerability, and political acumen. The focus of her performance was on embodying the emotional arc of Mary's life. The accent, or lack thereof, was secondary to this primary objective. Training for a historically accurate 16th-century Scottish accent would have been a significant undertaking and might have detracted from her ability to deliver the nuanced performance viewers came to expect.
Viewer Perception and Expectations
For many American viewers, "Scottish accent" might evoke a general idea rather than specific regional variations. The show opted for a safer, more universally understood vocal delivery. If the accent had been too strong or too different from what the average American viewer associates with Scottish speech, it could have become a distraction, hindering the immersion into the story and the connection with the characters.
In essence, the absence of a strong Scottish accent for Mary in Reign is a testament to the show's commitment to being an entertaining drama rather than a documentary. The creative team made a pragmatic decision to prioritize audience engagement and narrative clarity over strict linguistic authenticity. This allows the drama to unfold and the characters to connect with viewers on a more immediate level.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why did the creators of Reign choose not to give Mary a Scottish accent?
The creators likely opted for a more neutral, broadly accessible accent to make the characters, especially Mary, more relatable to a modern, international audience, particularly in the United States. This decision prioritized narrative clarity and viewer engagement over strict historical linguistic accuracy, allowing the audience to focus on the drama and emotional arcs without the potential barrier of a strong regional accent.
Did Mary Stuart actually speak with a Scottish accent?
Historically, Mary Stuart would have likely spoken Scots, the Germanic language spoken in Scotland. However, she spent many years in France during her childhood and education, which would have heavily influenced her speech. It's possible her accent would have been a blend of influences or even more refined due to her French upbringing. The show did not delve into this historical linguistic nuance.
Is Adelaide Kane Scottish?
No, Adelaide Kane, the actress who played Mary Queen of Scots in Reign, is Australian. While actors often adopt accents for roles, the decision in Reign was to lean away from a pronounced Scottish accent for the character.
What accent did Mary have in Reign?
Mary's accent in Reign was generally a mild, somewhat generic British or neutral accent. It was not a distinctively Scottish accent, nor was it heavily French. This was a deliberate choice to make her more accessible to a broad, international audience.
