The Shakespeare Conference: SHK 11.1856  Tuesday, 3 October 2000.

From:           Melissa D. Aaron <This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.>
Date:           Monday, 02 Oct 2000 07:53:22 -0700
Subject: 11.1849 Re: Fops
Comment:        Re: SHK 11.1849 Re: Fops

>The overworked image of Osric as fop, if not a flaming, limp-wristed,
>lisping, comic faggot, has very little to commend it in light of Osric's
>rather central role in the climactic wager and sword-play that wraps up
>the Hamlet story.

Hmmm.  I'm not sure if this isn't a false dichotomy. I am thinking
especially of Henri III's minions, such as Monsieur d'O, who were both
what we *might* call foppish and expert, lethal swordsmen.  In fact,
it's my understanding that Henri picked his band of minions for their
highly overworked dress sense, use of cosmetics, fondness for other
gentlemen, and their ability to win duels and fight battles.  There are
other examples, of course;  my point being that the gender markers in
both Early Modern England and France weren't the same as in 19th and
20th century America or even 18th century England.  Just a thought.

Melissa Aaron

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