Meaning of Elegance by Jerry Herman (Ft. Charles Nelson Reilly, Eileen Brennan, Jerry Dodge, Original Broadway Cast of Hello, Dolly! & Sondra Lee)

The Elusive Pursuit of Elegance

Jerry Herman’s iconic musical, "Hello, Dolly!", has been wowing audiences for decades. One of its most celebrated numbers, "Elegance", is a captivating exploration of the human quest for refinement and sophistication. Starring Charles Nelson Reilly, Eileen Brennan, Jerry Dodge, the original Broadway cast, and featuring Sondra Lee, this song is a deliciously satirical commentary on the lengths people will go to project an image of nobility.

The Power of Perception

The concept of elegance is often considered an intangible quality that can be difficult to define, yet it is precisely the pursuit of this elusive quality that drives the characters of "Hello, Dolly!" to great comedic lengths. The song’s writers cleverly capture the complexity of this concept by lampooning the characters’ attempts to emulate the esteemed upper class. "[What a knack, there is to that, acting like a born aristocrat]", they sing in unison, acknowledging that mimicking the behaviors and mannerisms of the elite takes skill and practice.

Experience has taught me that few things are more fascinating than observing people’s attempts to project an image of refined sophistication. I recall sitting in a posh opera house, surrounded by patrons exuding an air of condescension, as I struggled to keep up my end of the conversation while sipping a glass of wine. It was amusing to see how effortlessly those around me effortlessly adopted haughty postures, à la "[the saucer never moves, the way I keep my pinky up, indubitably proves]" – a tongue-in-cheek commentary on the absurd lengths people will go to embody elegance.

The Impact of Social Status

However, beneath the surface satire lies a poignant commentary on the human desire for belonging and acceptance. The character of Minnie Fay is a prime example of someone who, despite not necessarily being born into wealth and privilege, can still attain elegance through association or simple imitation. "[all who are well-bred agree, Minnie Fay has pedigree]", remarks the song, highlighting that social standing is not only a matter of birth or wealth, but also attitude and behavior.

In truth, I have witnessed individuals transformed by their surroundings, simply by adopting the mannerisms and speech patterns of a particular social circle. Observe how a person entering a high-end restaurant shifts their posture, adjusts their tone, and begins mimicking the language of its patrons. It is here that "Elegance" truly shines, skillfully capturing the intricate ballet of social dynamics and etiquette.

The Illusions of Wealth and Power

The song’s lyrics pay homage to the excesses of the wealthy elite by referencing prominent figures like Vanderbilts and J.P. Morgan. "[Vanderbilt kowtows to us, J.P. Morgan scrapes and bows to us]", the characters insist, exaggerating their notion of self-importance, as if wealth and fame are the ultimate measures of elegance. This is but a clever ruse by the songwriters to strip away the veneer and reveal the emptiness underlying the characters’ pursuit.

In my own life, I have encountered individuals using their wealth and influence as a means of validation – flaunting designer labels and lavish lifestyles as a display of their refined taste, all while neglecting what truly matters. "Elegance" serves as a poignant reminder that appearances can be deceiving.

Conclusion

In essence, "Elegance" is a masterfully crafted commentary on the power of perception, social dynamics, and the human aspiration for acceptance. Jerry Herman’s songwriting genius resides in his ability to juxtapose the absurdity of the characters’ attempts with the poignancy of their underlying desires. In doing so, he yields a scathing critique on the superficiality of elegance, emphasizing the importance of inner qualities and personal growth.

As I reflect upon my own experiences with this wondrous song, I cannot help but be struck by the universality of our shared quest for elegance and refinement. Whether it stems from a genuine desire for self-improvement or a desperate attempt to fit into a particular social circle, the pursuit of elegance often reveals more about our society’s values than we ever intended.

Watch Top 100 Songs in 2024