The introduction to my version of The Man of Mode discusses the various characters who have been thought to represent real-life figures (Dorimant as the Earl of Rochester, etc.). It then suggests that the importance of this representation lies in “the way in which they emphasize the closeness of the play to the Restoration "beau monde." What exactly is the beau monde? And, was this type of character parallel typical in Restoration drama? Would the audience have understood the connections at the time?
In Act III scene ii, Harriet and Busy discuss female “powdering, painting, and patching,” sparked by Harriet’s refusal to let Busy fix her hair and Busy’s mention of a Lady Dapper who, by opposite, is obsessively particular about her looks. Busy admits that Dapper is “too pretending,” while Harriet compares a woman who pretends beauty to a man who pretends wit. Is there a female “fop” figure? And, if so, is Harriet touching on a typical aspect of that character?
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