[nielsha]

Sorry if this topic has been discussed before, but I just got here and I didn't want to search through the archives.

I was over on the imdb board for the movie, and I raised the question of whether or not Sweeney Todd and Mrs. Lovett are lovers (in a physical sense only, Lovett's true feelings for him are obviously unrequited). I'd just seen the production for the first time and thought I was slow to still be uncertain on the matter, but the thread spawned a heated debate over whether or not the two of them are really rumpling some bedding in their spare time. I didn't realize it was open to interpretation.

[what_the_heck013]

I think it depends on the interpretations of the two characters... how attractive or repulsive the Lovetts are versus how desperate the Sweeneys are.

[Salome]

I think the rumpled beddingl ine gives way to the fact that hey have slept together. He isnt in love with her however. thats obvious.

[Vice]

[Xack]

I would say that the rumpled bedding line pretty much tells you. I can't really think of a reason why they wouldn't.

[Apples2for10]

Sweeney isn't interested in her sexually at all! His reaction to "By The Sea" shows that all he cares about is finding a way to kill Judge Turpin. As for the "rumpled bedding" line, the only reason Lovett sings it is because it plays into the fantasy that makes up "By The Sea".

[YouGotsToLovett]

Don't assume rumpled bedding is Todd.

And also, dont you think Todd, out of joy, may have "rewarded" Lovett, then completely ignore her afterwards?

[what_the_heck013]

[YouGotsToLovett]

Used does seem like the proper word,knowing Sweeney.

[The REAL Ciaron]

Are you guys all new??? Of course they were lovers. It would make no sense if they weren't.

[YouGotsToLovett]

I wasn't at all saying if they were lovers or not. I yet haven't decided, and probably won't until I write fanfiction of my own. But ofcourse, that's what most people get the idea of Mrs Lovett being all caring about Toby, when in fact I think she doesn't give a damn about him. That's the problem of fanfiction...

[Xack]

[YouGotsToLovett]

Thank you for correcting me...I'm speechless now...gar

[YouGotsToLovett]

Wait, if you define 'lovers' as in they slept together...I wouldn't say so.
In the song By The Sea, Mrs Lovett sings:

"We shouldn't try it/ Until it's legal for two-hoo"

And I think she meant they should do it until they were married...maybe, i don't know

[theatre_grl]

^what else would it mean?
i think its an interesting idea, but based on that line it would make the most sense that the 'rumpled bedding' comes only in her seaside fantasy

[The Duchess of Mint]

Dear Sweeney Todd Fans,

Mrs. Lovett is rumpling her OWN bedding for Todd...LOL!

[Mistress]

I would think the situaution was quite obvious: Lovett is infatuated with Sweeney and Sweeney's infatuated with revenge. He doesn't care an ounce for her and hasn't touched in that way at all...at least that's what I got from By the Sea a la Hearn/Lansbury movie. I think I have to agree with The Duchess' comment above me...Lovett is fantasizing about Todd, but nothing has ever happened between them.

[The Duchess of Mint]

Dear Sweeney Todd Fans,

I didn't really think about the situation when I said that Mrs. Lovett was "rumpling her OWN bedding."

I've since listened to the song "By the Sea"; moreover, I've watched the scene on YouTube, and I've come to the conclusion that the situation is really confusing, because it's so tough to deduce weather or not Lovett and Todd have "gone all the way."

At one point during the song, Todd covers his eyes, as if he's either embarrassed, or disgusted, by what Lovett is saying.

Then, there are the lines:

"We shouldn't try it, though,
'Till it's legal
For two (These lyrics are...what, now?)

NOTE: There's no doubt as to what "it" means.

But a seaside wedding
Could be devised,
Me rumpled bedding legitimized.

NOTE: The question is "Who has rumpled, or will rumple, the bedding?

Me islet'll flutter (These lyrics are...what, now?),
I'll turn into butter
The moment I mutter "I do!"

NOTE: These lyrics are decidedly euphamistic!

Several theories could be deduced from these lyrics, and from Sweeney Todd's shading his eyes with his hand:

Theory 1: Mrs. Lovett and Sweeney Todd are indeed lovers, and Mrs. Lovett is saying "My fantasy is to legitimize our illegitimate relationship." Sweeney is embarrassed by Mrs. Lovett's unabashed displays of the lust which he knows that she's already shared with him.

Theory 2: Mrs. Lovett and Sweeney Todd aren't lovers, and Mrs. Lovett has, all alone, "rumpled her bedding" over Todd, but she really wants to marry Todd before she allows him to go all the way with her. This theory almost seems to make Mrs. Lovett seem as though she's too pure.

Theory 3: Mrs. Lovett and Sweeney Todd aren't lovers, and Mrs. Lovett has, all alone, "rumpled her bedding" over Todd, but, in her fantasy, she and Todd will go all the way, and THEN they'll legitimize their naughty relationship via marriage. In my opinion, this theory fits Mrs. Lovett fairly well.

I think that the true situation probably fits either Theory 1 or Theory 3, but, at the same time, I can't decide how faithful Sweeney Todd has been to the memory of Lucy.

I think that Todd has either used Lovett, all the while thinking of Lucy (?), or that he would NEVER AGAIN share a bed intimately with ANY WOMAN besides Lucy.

I can't decide if he covers his face because he's embarrassed, or if he covers his face because he's just disgusted with the famous lust of Lovett!

Speaking of lovers, do you think that Lovett would bed Toby for any reason, selfish or otherwise? I wouldn't put that sort of action past her.

Thanks in advance for your replies.

[Mistress]

[theatre_grl]