Discussion question # 3 Dandyism. The author's spent a ton of time talking about dandies, dandyism and being a Bon Vivant in his social satire.

These are some of the things he as to say about being a dandy on page 5:

The dandy enjoys the gamesmanship of pushing against convention without breaking it.

The dandy may occasionally influence fashion, bust vastly favors the independence of style.

Here is one of Joanie's excellent blends to showcase Johnny's style and wardrobe choices. Many thanks Joanie.



Nothing is trivial to the dandy, except perhaps a trivial amount of thought. By paying considerable attention to detail, the dandy can cultivate a personal sphere in which everything is of great importance.

The dandy is the focus of his own artistry; his dress, manner, speech and mind are his palette.
So, do you see Johnny as a dandy?

How about any of his characters? Are any of them dandies?? If you'd like to, post a pic as an example. ;)

I never would have used this word to describe Johnny, but according to this defintion, my answer is a resounding YES, and the connotation and image of a Dandy has new parameters for me. :snoopy

I don't have the book, so I hope it is ok just to answer anyway.

Johnny doesn't strike me as a dandy, but maybe my own thoughts of what a dandy is have skewed my opinion.

Of Johnnys characters, Lord Wilmot seems to fit the bill perfectly. :D

Anne x

Book or no, we are happy to have your thoughts! Yup, Wilmot sure could be...but then I wonder about our dear Captain??

If it's okay to answer without having read the book then here are my thoughts.

No, not at all. When he has to dress to impress, he does it in his own unique style, but the word 'dandy' is most certainly not a word I would associate with Johnny.
Agreed, he does, to quote "enjoy the gamesmanship of pushing against convention without breaking it," but not to the extent of coming across as a 'dandy'. I would associate that quote more with the dress style from the era of the 80's when men wore flamboyant shirts, leather trousers and took more time than women to style their hair.

Most certainly, and the most obvious one that springs to mind is Don Juan DeMarco...



Flamboyance, attention to detail and most certainly enjoying the gamesmanship of pushing against convention without breaking it...or maybe he did!

Willy Wonka, another cert, but he most certainly broke all convention! :lol:



Ichabod Crane, yes, to me he is a dandy...an independant style, slightly flamboyant yet not breaking convention...



And Wilmot, most certainly is a dandy...



To me, Wilmot was a character who studied fashion of the time and wanted to push those boundries, but no go too far. Remember the scene at the begining where he is getting dressed? A lot of time and care is being taken as to whether the 'look' is favourable. Then there is the 'Royal finger beckoning..." scene. Good Lord! If that isn't a dandy then I don't know is!! :lol:

So finally Jack. Hmmmmmmmm! I'm not sure about this because although he has an independant style, he doesn't care...'trifles' to personal hygenine! Surely that must be one of the priorities of a dandy? Maybe if he was to spend more time on dry land, he would be a dandy - from Pirate turn highwayman, an interesting thought!

Right, I think I'd better go before Karen yells, "Jesse...will you please 'SHUT IT!" :lol:

Of course it's OK to jump in if you haven't read the book if you want to. This question had all of the info needed within it to respond to! :)

Thanks for offering opinions! I think there's some truth in every one of them! ;)

I had these quotes underlined in my book and had Johnny's name with a question mark by them.
I really think that Johnny in his everday dress and in his characters, uses Dandyism. It goes on to describe dandyism as "a way of being, a philosophy, more than the wearing of clothes. It is a way of being, a philosophy. The dandy's attire is but an outer expression of his inner refinement-the delicate glass that holds a finely crafted wine."I really liked that analogy.

I think that Johnny and his characters do more than just wear the clothes....that is a part of the whole thing....that one is not complete without the other.

Ladies I agree with everyone regarding the previously mentioned Depp's characters as "dandies". I would also add CJS-his entrance in Pirates 1 standing proud like he is king of the world and he is in his mind-his dress and lack of hygiene create his own special look and his swaggering walk suggest a dandy-and maybe a dandy can be a bit dirty! When JD dresses up his suits it screams dandy to me they are against conventional style and create his own look-his swag is an illustration of his style and attention to detail for his unique look. Johnny is a dandy in every sense as described by Whimsy-he has his own style and way of approaching life-alas that equals a dandy. :) Maybe that is why JD bought this book-he could identify with the social satire Whimsey embodies.

Very good point Holly about Johnny's characters doing more than just wearing the clothes. He gives them life and purpose. And by doing that, some of them seem to be dandies...by LW's definition.

Now how funny is this? My son was looking up spelling word definations for homework tonight.

The word was fop here is what it means
A man who is preoccupied with and often vain about his clothes and manners; a dandy.

Great thoughts Anne... and you just touched on tomorrow's question...why did he option this book?! ;)

LOL Fop is used so much in this book.

There's an old Irving Berlin song, used in Mel Brooks' "Young Frankenstein" and then done in a dance mix in the 80s by Taco called "Putting on the Ritz"..the lyrics are all about a dandy.



Have you seen the well-to-do
Up and down park avenue
On that famous thoroughfare
With their noses in the air

High hats and narrow collars
White spats and lots of dollars
Spending every dime
For a wonderful time

Now, if youre blue
And you dont know where to go to
Why dont you go where fashion sits
Puttin on the ritz
Different types who wear a daycoat
Pants with stripes and cutaway coat
Perfect fits
Puttin on the ritz

Dressed up like a million dollar trooper
Trying hard to look like gary cooper
Super-duper

Come, lets mix where rockefellers
Walk with sticks or umberellas
In their mitts
Puttin on the ritz

------ short instrumental break ------

Tips his hat just like an english chappie
To a lady with a wealthy pappy
Very snappy

Youll declare its simply topping
To be there and hear them swapping
Smart tidbits
Puttin on the ritz

*giggles*

I remember that song back in the 80's

I didn't read this book, but I've enjoyed reading your responses to the discussion questions. I never would have described Johnny as a dandy, but from your different ideas, I can see where that word might fit, especially with some of his characters. I would pick Wilmot as a dandy-----Wonka might be considered a dandy, but I don't think in Wonka's case it was purposeful.

As for Johnny, the jury is still out on this one with me. Many of you made some excellent points that "dandy" might fit, but I don't think when Johnny chooses his outfits it's out of vanity; it seems to be more of keeping true to his own style and not allowing others to dictate their style to him.(Don't know if that makes sense) Anyway, just jumping in here, but I haven't read the book, so I'll just enjoy reading your discussion. It definitely sounds like something that would be a challenge to make into a film.

I also remember Puttin on the Ritz and for some reason the video of it keeps flashing through my brain now-lol!

Is it ok to answer a little late? I think if we use the definition thats in the book then Johnny is a dandy. Thanks Joanie for the blend. Ithink Ichabod Crane sure is! And maybe CJS too in a different way.