What Happens in Catherine, Called Birdy?

In the film adaptation of “Catherine Called Birdy,” directed by Lena Dunham, the story unfolds in 13th-century Lincolnshire, England. The film follows the life of Catherine, also known as Birdy, as she navigates her family’s financial troubles and the pressures of arranged marriage. Here is a breakdown of the key events in the story:

Setting

The story takes place in 13th-century Lincolnshire, England.

Catherine’s Family

Catherine lives with her father Rollo, mother Aislinn, and her older brothers Robert and Edward. Her brother Edward is a monk at a nearby monastery.

Financial Troubles

Catherine’s family faces financial difficulties, and her father decides to solve them by arranging a marriage for Catherine with a wealthy suitor.

Suitors

Catherine encounters several potential suitors, but she tries to scare them away through unconventional and off-putting antics.

Romantic Interests

Catherine develops feelings for her uncle George, who returns from the crusades, but he ends up marrying another woman. Catherine’s best friend Aelis also gets married, which affects their friendship.

Shaggy Beard

A new suitor named Sir Henry Murgaw, whom Catherine dubs Shaggy Beard due to his unkempt appearance, becomes interested in her. Despite her attempts to scare him away, Shaggy Beard finds her antics alluring and gives her a purse of money.

Family Matters

Catherine’s mother becomes pregnant again, and Catherine fears for her mother’s life during childbirth. Catherine decides to marry Shaggy Beard to secure her family’s financial stability.

Escape and Return

Before the marriage, Catherine runs away to her uncle George’s place but realizes that her romanticized notions of his adventures are false. She returns home and witnesses her mother giving birth to twin daughters.

Duel and Resolution

Shaggy Beard insists on marrying Catherine, but her father intervenes, leading to a duel between her father and Shaggy Beard. Despite his poor swordsmanship, Catherine’s father disarms Shaggy Beard, and the marriage agreement is ended.

Conclusion

Catherine reflects on her experiences and vows to preserve her freedom in her world. The story ends with Catherine roughhousing with her friend Perkin as a suitor approaches.

These events comprise the narrative of “Catherine Called Birdy,” as portrayed in Lena Dunham’s film adaptation.

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FAQs

What is the setting of “Catherine Called Birdy?”

The story takes place in 13th-century Lincolnshire, England.

Who is Catherine and what is her family like?

Catherine, also known as Birdy, lives with her father Rollo, mother Aislinn, and her older brothers Robert and Edward. Her brother Edward is a monk at a nearby monastery.

What challenges does Catherine’s family face?

Catherine’s family faces financial difficulties, and her father decides to solve them by arranging a marriage for Catherine with a wealthy suitor.

How does Catherine try to discourage potential suitors?

Catherine employs unconventional and off-putting antics in an attempt to scare away potential suitors.

Are there any romantic interests in the story?

Who is Shaggy Beard?

Shaggy Beard is a new suitor named Sir Henry Murgaw, whom Catherine dubs Shaggy Beard due to his unkempt appearance. Despite Catherine’s efforts to scare him away, Shaggy Beard finds her antics alluring and gives her a purse of money.

How does Catherine’s family situation influence her decisions?

Catherine’s mother becomes pregnant again, and Catherine is concerned for her mother’s well-being during childbirth. To secure her family’s financial stability, Catherine decides to marry Shaggy Beard.

What happens in the resolution of the story?

Before the marriage takes place, Catherine runs away to her uncle George’s place but realizes that her romanticized notions of his adventures are false. She returns home and witnesses her mother giving birth to twin daughters. Ultimately, a duel between Catherine’s father and Shaggy Beard leads to the disarming of Shaggy Beard and the end of the marriage agreement.