THE WHITE LOTUS

I remember the hype around The White Lotus right before the Emmy Awards, September 2022. I found out that the second season was to be premiered in October, so I decided to check it up and see if it would be of any interest for my classes, students (always from a Curious Learner perspective), and later start fresh with the (then) new upcoming season. I got hooked from the get-go, and this Case Study is the living proof of that.

As a teacher, I find The White Lotus fun and valuable because the series offers a rich variety of characters, each with distinct accents, vocabulary choices, and speech patterns that reflect their social class, background, and personalities. It’s a perfect tool to engage students in learning how language reveals much about power dynamics, relationships, and personal insecurities. The production is bodacious, and the natural sceneries and landscapes (Hawaii – season one, and Italy – season 2) helps with the paradisiacal appeal. And it’s so pleasant to watch all hell breaking loose in paradise, especially the way it is portrayed in both series. Hilarious, entertaining, and thought-provoking.

Section glossary:

the hype: asombro, admiración (a feeling of reverential respect mixed with fear or wonder.)

bodacious: remarkable, noteworthy (extraordinaria, audaz, notable)

The Vocabulary

As Good As It Gets...

First, I'll list some nouns, verbs, adjectives and relevant phrases (so that you can get an idea what's in the Newsletter and the book). Later, texts, everything related to the series and the subject.

Nouns

1. Privilege: The special rights or advantages available to a particular person or group, often highlighted in both seasons through the behavior and language of wealthy characters.

2. Hierarchy: A system in which people or groups are ranked one above the other according to status or authority. Seen in the dynamics between hotel staff and guests.

3. Insecurity: Lack of confidence or assurance; self-doubt. Many characters show this through their speech and behavior.

4. Authority: The power or right to give orders, make decisions, and enforce obedience. Explored through the managerial roles in the hotel.

5. Manipulation: Controlling or influencing someone in a clever or unscrupulous way. Relevant in both seasons with characters like Quentin and Shane.

Verbs

1. Assert: To state a fact or belief confidently and forcefully. Used to describe how characters like Shane assert their dominance.

2. Navigate: To find one's way through a complex situation. Describes how characters like Belinda and Harper navigate their circumstances.

3. Critique: To evaluate in a detailed and analytical way. Seen in how Olivia and Paula critique society.

4. Fluctuate: To rise and fall irregularly in number or amount. Describes the shifting dynamics between characters.

5. Empathize: To understand and share the feelings of another. Albie’s approach to dealing with people.

Adjectives

1. Affluent: Having a great deal of money; wealthy. Many characters in both seasons are affluent.

2. Entitled: Believing oneself to be inherently deserving of privileges or special treatment. Applies to many characters like Shane and Cameron.

3. Reflective: Involving deep thought, especially in trying to understand something. Describes characters like Dominic and Harper.

4. Uncertain: Not able to be relied on; not known or definite. Describes Rachel’s feelings about her role in her marriage.

5. Erratic: Not even or regular in pattern or movement; unpredictable. Describes Tanya’s emotional state.

Useful Phrases and Sentences

1. “To put on a facade”: To create a deceptive outward appearance. Often seen with guests trying to hide their insecurities.

2. “In the spotlight”: Receiving a lot of public attention. Many characters in the series enjoy or struggle with being in the spotlight.

3. “Walking on eggshells”: Trying very hard not to upset someone. Describes how some staff interact with difficult guests.

Write your email to subscribe to the Euskaldunberry English Newsletter!