Taken in a broad sense, Downton Abby is about change. It concerns individuals and how they are personally affected by the broad sweep of transition from what was to what is and to the unknown what will be.
The twentieth century is about the death of kings and political change resulting from dead monarchies. Downton Abby is about the death of nobility and loosening of the ties on society. Lord Grantham is the tragic figure that must live through the relatively short period where the turmoil and literal war are accelerated. He is fortunate to have a family and loyal staff that helps him weather the transition.
You have written the most astute summary of the theme of Downton Abbey that I have read. Lord Grantham, a truly nice man, is a tragic figure. I hadn’t realized that was the definition of his character until I read your comment.
Uh-oh
I did not hit the post button twice.
Another thought about fading cultures. Is the “change” that we are experiencing during the Obama Regime as inevitable as what happened a century ago? Or is it just temporary?