The Man of Mode By: George Etherege Published: 1676
Clothing in text: Fan
"Peace! Here they come. I will lean against this wall, and look bashfully down upon my fan, while you, like an amorous spark, modishly entertain me" (Etherege 81).
"Clap your fan, then, in both your hands, snatch it to your mouth, smile, and with a lively motion fling your body a little forwards. So-now spread it; fall back on the sudden, cover your face with it, and break out into a loud laughter-take up! Look grave, and fall a-fanning of yourself-admirably well acted" (Etherege 83).
Social commentary: Given as an example of a true comedy of manners, The Man of Mode comments on many aspects of social class. The fan functions as a tool which can be used to hide the speaker or even express emotion. An entire language of fans developed during this time.
The fan also was a way to act while not on the stage. This intricate language could be understood by the audience, and the deception of true emotion was common in a world of affairs and scandal. It seems that the fan in The Man of Mode exemplifies this language, though the intentions of the author are not completely clear, as noted by some critics: "Etherege’s The Man of Mode(1676) is full of ironic mockery and certainly presents a sardonic view of moderately upper-class society. Is the play a celebration of libertinism or a satire on it?" (Hume 199). The fan represents an aristocratic society that practices deception to a fault.
Other Clothing References: "A lady masked in a pretty dishabillie who Dorimant entertained with more respect than the gallants do a common vizard" (Etherege 71).
"Clap your hands up to your bosom, hold down your gown, shrug a little, draw up your breasts and let 'em fall again, gently, with a sigh or two, etc." (Etherege 82).
"Playing with your fan, smelling to your gloves, commending your hair, and takng notice how 'tis cut and shaded after the new way-" (Etherege 126).