If you are a fan of the National Lampoon’s Vacation franchise, you must have come across Aunt Edna. She is one of the most memorable characters in the series, and her presence adds to the humor and chaos that ensues during the Griswold family’s road trip. In this article, we will take a closer look at who Aunt Edna is and why she is such an important part of the Vacation movies.
Who is Aunt Edna?
Aunt Edna is Clark Griswold’s wife Ellen’s aunt. She is portrayed as a cantankerous, rude, and unpleasant old woman who has no filter when it comes to expressing her opinions. She lives with Ellen’s parents in Phoenix, Arizona.
The Role of Aunt Edna in National Lampoon’s Vacation
Aunt Edna first appears in National Lampoon’s Vacation when Clark Griswold decides to take his family on a cross-country road trip from Chicago to Los Angeles to visit an amusement park called Walley World. Ellen insists on bringing Aunt Edna along for the trip, despite Clark’s objections.
Throughout their journey, Aunt Edna proves to be a major headache for the Griswold family. She complains about everything from the food they eat to the way they drive. Her constant nagging and lack of gratitude eventually drive everyone crazy.
Aunt Edna’s Fate
In one of the most memorable scenes from National Lampoon’s Vacation, Aunt Edna meets her untimely demise. The family realizes that she had passed away in her sleep during their overnight stay at a motel. They decide to strap her body on top of their car instead of leaving her behind or notifying authorities since it would ruin their vacation plans.
The rest of their journey becomes increasingly difficult as they face several obstacles along the way while carrying Aunt Edna’s dead body. The scene adds a darkly comedic element to the movie and is often cited as one of its most memorable moments.
Aunt Edna’s Legacy
Aunt Edna’s character has become an iconic part of the National Lampoon’s Vacation franchise. Her grouchy demeanor and hilarious one-liners have made her a fan favorite despite her brief appearance in the first movie.
Aunt Edna has also made cameo appearances in other Vacation movies, including Christmas Vacation and Vegas Vacation. Her legacy continues to live on through pop culture references and merchandise.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Aunt Edna may have been a minor character in National Lampoon’s Vacation, but her impact on the movie cannot be overstated. She added an extra layer of humor and chaos to an already wild road trip, and her legacy continues to make audiences laugh even today.