Gossip Girl was one of the most popular television series to ever grace television. The series revolves around a group of rich New York teenagers as they transition from high school to college and into the work force. There is a lot of drama, excitement, romance, and tragedy, which I believe attribute to the show’s success.
Gossip Girl also contained strong lead characters: Ed Westwick as Chuck Bass, Chace Crawford as Nate Archibald, Leighton Meester as Blair Waldorf, Blake Lively as Serena van der Woodson, and Dan Humphries portrayed by Penn Bagdley. These strong characters taught their viewers a lot of key life lessons, which this article will try to discuss without giving away too many spoilers.Â
Dan Humphrey
Oh, Lonely Boy. You taught us to not be so desperate. You longed so hard for the rich lifestyle that you compromised yourself, turned on your friends, and hurt your family in the process. Dan taught us that loyalty is extremely important in creating genuine relationships. Dan also showed us the consequences of pretending to be someone that you aren’t. Dan is extremely fake throughout that show and pretends to be someone and something he isn’t. Even though he still marries Serena in the end, it still does not make him immune for the incredible backlash that comes when his secret is revealed. Â
Blair Waldorf
Blair taught us so many things. Not only did she grace the world with her amazing taste in fashion (you know you tried to rock the headbands like she used to), but she also is a figure of feminism.
I’m sure there are some people who would disagree with this argument, but there is a valid point made here. There are so many quotes throughout the season that truly embody a feminist outlook, including, “Oh, my life is so bountiful I don’t need a boyfriend to feel fulfilled.”
Blair Waldorf did whatever she wanted, whenever she wanted, and she would not stop until she got what she wanted. She was able to successfully take over her mom’s legendary fashion industry and gain the respect of professionals. Also in a world where individuality is unappreciated and looked down upon, Blair Waldorf found solace in old movies, literature, and European culture.
Chuck Bass may have brought out the best (and worst) in Blair, she may have had too many relations with her best friend’s boyfriends, and she may have brought upon some heartache to those who crossed her, but she was definitely out to ensure her own success and happiness. She taught us to embrace that power within ourselves.Â
Serena van der Woodsen
Serena van der Woodsen was the show’s beautiful free spirit. She is calm, and beautiful, and desired by everybody on the show.
She is the complete opposite of Blair. Where Blair is the preppy rich, hard-working, Upper East Side Queen, Serena is the laid back Bohemian chic who’s life isn’t as predetermined as Blair’s. Most importantly, however, Serena was Blair’s non-confrontational best friend. Serena ran from every bad situation she was in, which caused a lot of strain in her friendships and relationships. This caused so many problems, legally and ethically, that she could not resolve. Serena taught us how important it is to own up to one’s actions, regardless of the consequences.Â
Chuck Bass
Chuck Bass, you sexy, beautiful, perfect specimen of a man. Chuck Bass gave so many men tips on how to charm their ladies. I know from personal experience that my boyfriend has used some of Chuck’s one-liners in order to be romantic. On a more serious level though, Chuck Bass taught us that people could change their ways. This may give women false hope when it comes to their own bad boys, but the show definitely demonstrates the possibility there.  Â
Nate Archibald
Nate Archibald is the stereotypical good guy throughout the show. He always seems to do the right things, even if it means turning on his friends. Granted, Nate makes some big mistakes throughout the show, but he is such a sweetheart and a nice guy that it makes you want to know someone in real life similar to him. Nate taught women to fall in love with the gentleman, and to expect chivalry from a man. It also teaches guys that being the “good guy” will actually serve to benefit you in the future. Sure, he may not marry Blair or Serena, but he becomes extremely successful, despite his parents’ decisions, and got to keep his moral integrity at the same time.Â
Hey Gossip Girl Cast. Â You know we love you! Â Thanks for teaching us so much! Â XOXO!
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