The Gilded Age season 3 highlights Charlotte Astor’s real-life divorce scandal, reflecting the changing social norms of the era.
The Gilded Age: Charlotte Astor’s Real-Life Divorce Scandal Explained
Warning: SPOILERS For The Gilded Age Season 3, Episode 7, “Ex-Communicated.”
The Gilded Age season 3 delves into the theme of divorce, with Charlotte Astor’s marital scandal rooted in real events. HBO hinted at the significance of divorce in this season, effectively showcasing the evolving social norms of late-19th century New York.
The characters in The Gilded Age have encountered increased turmoil in season 3, especially concerning their relationships. From Gladys Russell’s union with Hector, Duke of Buckingham, to Marian Brook and Larry Russell’s brief engagement, none of the relationships have been flawless. However, Charlotte Astor’s storyline stands out as the most scandalous.
Charlotte Astor’s Real-Life Divorce In The Gilded Age Explained
Charlotte Astor’s marriage and the potential for divorce are recurring themes in The Gilded Age season 3, creating friction between her and her mother, Mrs. Astor. While Charlotte’s marital issues may seem exaggerated for dramatic effect, her husband indeed challenged another man to a duel.
Charlotte wed J. Coleman Drayton in 1879, and they had three children. However, a significant scandal erupted in 1892, paralleling the events depicted in The Gilded Age. Although the series is set a few years earlier, the core of the drama remains consistent: Charlotte spent excessive time with a man named Alsop Borrowe in London.
Drayton did challenge Borrowe to a duel, but it ultimately did not occur (source: Newspapers.com). Instead, Charlotte and Drayton divorced, foreshadowing the developments in The Gilded Age. Despite Mrs. Astor’s disapproval of the divorce, she may have no choice but to accept her daughter’s marital dissolution.
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The Gilded Age Changed Whose Divorce Is Most Important In Season 3
Divorce was introduced early in The Gilded Age season 3, particularly with the sudden collapse of Aurora Fane’s marriage. Initially, Aurora was the focal character for exploring this theme, but that narrative has shifted.
Aurora Fane still makes appearances at social gatherings, often under Mrs. Astor’s uncomfortable insistence, but Charlotte’s tumultuous divorce has eclipsed Aurora’s story. Similarly, the marital issues of George and Bertha Russell have been a significant focus this season, although the conclusion of season 3, episode 7, suggests their divorce is unlikely.
The season finale, “My Mind Is Made Up,” will air on HBO Max on Sunday, August 10, 2025, at 9 pm EST.
The Gilded Age effectively highlights Charlotte’s scandal, providing a crucial comparison to Aurora’s divorce. By compelling Mrs. Astor to confront her daughter’s marital challenges, Bertha Russell is striving to reshape societal attitudes towards divorce in episode 7. This shift will ultimately benefit both Charlotte and Aurora, positioning her as a new influencer of social conventions.
