What are the reasons for Barry's downfall?
In the 1975 Stanley Kubrick film Barry Lyndon, the main character Redmond Barry ascends the social ladder to transform himself from a countryside farmer to a member of the aristocracy. During his search for a title to secure Lady Lyndon's wealth, in case she passes away, Redmond begins to experience a series of unfortunate events that ultimately result in him falling back to his original place in society - yet much older in age and lesser in strength. What actions had caused his own downfall?
Best Answer
Pride is probably the major one. Also lack of character that is expressed in his vices and petty cruelty. Cruelty, especially to the little Lord Bullingdon in the form of physical abuse, and to Bullingdon's mother though open infidelity, is what really takes him down in the end. When Bullingdon, a great lord, eventually comes into his inheritance, he forces the now powerless Barry into banishment.
The cruelty to Bullingdon is also what causes Barry to be "banished" from the polite society of the high aristocracy, per the scene at Lady Lyndon's birthday party. Bullingdon uses the party to publicly call Barry out, which leads Barry to publicly beat Bullingdon. This specific act makes Barry a social pariah.
Mercy, at the wrong moment, is also a factor. Barry's decision not to shoot Bullingdon in the duel, even though he has the upper hand, leads to Barry being shot in the leg by Bullingdon. When Barry is convalescing from the injury, Bullingdon seizes control of his estate.
Act II Plot summary from Wikipedia has all the details.
Pictures about "What are the reasons for Barry's downfall?"
How does Barry Lyndon end?
In the end of Stanley Kubrick's 1975 film Barry Lyndon, the protagonist is in duel with his stepson, whom he hates. When Barry has a very good chance of killing his opponent, however he intentionally fires to the ground.Is Barry Lyndon true story?
The screenplay was based on an obscure novel by William Makepeace Thackeray called The Luck of Barry Lyndon, which was itself inspired by the true story of Anglo-Irish adventurer Andrew Robinson Stoney, a soldier, gambler, dueller and social climber whose attempts to mount the greasy pole of English society ended in ...What is the story of Barry Lyndon?
In the eighteenth century, in a small village in Ireland, Redmond Barry (Ryan O'Neal) is a young farm boy in love with his cousin Nora Brady (Gay Hamilton).Why You Should be Watching 'Barry' (Video Essay)
Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
Images: Enoch Patro, Tirachard Kumtanom, Pixabay, elizabeth sanchez