Question: I've been reading fan-fictions of The Phantom of The Opera, and most fan-fictions - when in the phantom's (Erik's) POV (Point Of View) - say the word 'fop' describing Raoul, I'm wondering why?
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Chosen answer: A "fop" is defined as a man who is concerned with his clothes and appearance in an affected and excessive way; a dandy who often lives beyond his means. There is also a connotation of femininity or homosexual tendency, or at least a lack of sexual virility that (sadly) is considered one of the worst slurs available to a rival for the affections of a woman. And let's face it - Raoul, much like many of the men of his time and of a certain status, is required by societal norms to be well dressed, well groomed, well presented, well educated and, apparently, a tenor. Raoul certainly fits the bill. Erik, though certainly a man of breeding and finesse, is denied a place in polite society, whether ultimately he would want it or not if not driven to the dark recesses of homicidal madness by (also sadly) only the presence of disfiguring scars. The term "fop" seems the descriptor that not only rings with a kernel of truth, but also best sums up Erik's anger, disdain and, perhaps, jealousy.
Michael Albert