Classical Theatre Performance Assignment –
‘The Man of Mode’ or, ‘Sir Fopling Flutter’
Wednesday 9th
March 2016
Themes in
Context
This week’s
main focus was exploring thematic context of ‘The Man of Mode’. Looking particularly at the social, political,
historical, and cultural themes we focused on how these affected the people and
the actors of that time period.
Social
Throughout the
story of ‘The Man of Mode’ we see the various high status characters talk of
subjects that suit their style of socializing.
These subjects include:
-
Entertainment
-
Women
-
Sex
-
Parties
-
Art
-
Status
-
Gardens
All of these
socializing subjects reflected the high and powerful status of the lead
characters.
For male
characters, in particular, it gives them opportunities to show off their
masculinity. Places like the theatre,
mask balls, or even their local taverns gave them opportunities to show off
their abilities to handle various gallons of alcohol and attract a female
partner.
Alternatively
for female characters, it gives them the opportunity to show off their sharp
wits, fashion appeal and talent on stage.
Their sharp wit comes across during their encounters with the opposite
sex; women of this time didn’t always fall into the man’s arms and often stood
tall and snapped back (sometimes through banter, other times in disagreement)
to ensure they were not used. Plus the
woman at the theatre, masked balls, even the garden parks, dressed in
exceptionally large and bright dresses, were often the center of
attention/conversations; often to keep up their high status and sex appeal. However the biggest social impact of the 17th
Century was when women were allowed to act on stage (the social impact of this
event depicted exceptionally in the motion picture ‘Stage Beauty’: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wkxo0oqGMwU). This was emphasized within the
characteristics of the female characters of ‘The Man of Mode’, as they were not
stereotypes, nor simple background characters, and had a huge impact towards
the plot and male leads. All in all
making social events at the theatre a rich evening out about town.
This theme
affects my character (Young Bellair) in particular, with his personality and
his relationships. Socially he stays
close to Dorimant and Medley, and upholds a sharp wit and gentleman vibe,
making him stand out amongst the three but applying good company. Family wise, he is from a respected family,
and upholds a true gentleman status and follows his father’s wishes. But, I feel, this comes to great affect with
his relationship with Emilia, as socially he becomes a lover, and a true
romantic, and uses these social subjects to come across as the man he really
is, not what he makes himself out to be with his friends and predecessors.
Political
‘The Man of
Mode’ was written and performed in 1676, twenty-fives after the English Civil
War, during the reign of King Charles II and the restoration of the
throne. While political themes take a
huge impact on the time period, political aspects do not affect the plays
plot. However, there a certain implications
that reflect political matters/figures of that time period; particularly within
the characters archetypes, for example:
-
Sir Fopling Flutter
-
Dorimant
-
Old Bellair
All three
characters have the highest statuses and reputations. While more so reflective of the social themes
within the play, I found certain implication to suggest that these characters
reflected real life personalities whom had power within Parliament.
For example,
Sir Fopling Flutter has friends and accommodations in both France and England. In this time period the political and
religious contrasts between the countries were very different and ever
changing. Therefore a character like Sir
Fopling Flutter could have been a representation of a political ambassador or
adviser from both countries, ensure a mutual friendship between both
monarchies.
Alternatively,
the character of Dorimant is a gentleman about town and has had various
encounters with female companions. While
there is no clear representation, or reflection, of any political character
type within Dorimant’s personality, I personally see the possibility that the
character has contacts, if not relations, within the royal household. Giving the slight indication, back in the 17th
Century, that this was a man to be respected.
Whereas Old
Bellair has the strongest indication of political power. While never written in text, or spoken aloud
on stage, the character gives the impression that he has had a history
concerning politics. I see this through
his very strong authority figure and hash relationships. I particularly noticed, in his first scene
(Act II, Scene 1), that the character has various businesses to attend to and
contacts to stay in touch with (“Harry,
take this, and let your man carry it for me to Mr. Fourbes’s chamber, my
lawyer, i’ the Temple.” – Old Bellair, Act II, Scene 2).
Historical
and Cultural
‘The Man of
Mode’ explores various historical events that have had a huge impact on today’s
society and culture. These events
include:
-
Women on Stage
-
The Civil War Aftermath
-
The Restoration of the Throne
These events
changed many perceptions of the art, politics and the royalists. Theatre was more diverse and appreciated (and
not just a place for socializing).
Political attitudes and decisions where more debated and converse. The royalists were more graceful and loving
towards their citizens.
Political Relations between England and France Link: http://www.enotes.com/homework-help/compare-contrast-french-english-policital-294168
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