Women and Letters

In my presentation on The Man of Mode, I focus on masculinity and the construction of the gentleman. There is also a related topic: femininity and the construction of the gentlewoman. How do the female characters use rhetoric and action to construct themselves as gentility? Do women also rely on wit, charm, and power? How do Harriet, Emilia, Loveit, and Bellinda reflect and refract the feminine?

Dorimant sends a number of letters throughout the play. For example, he sends Mrs. Loveit a letter, all the while setting her up for a fight and end to their relationship. Dorimant also receives a letter from Molly, who appears to be a prostitute. What are the roles of these letters in the larger scope of the play? Why does Etherege include such letters? What rhetorical and theatrical purposes do they serve?