Masquerades Doubted as Fashionable Yet Dull Entertainment
A historical critique argues masquerades offend decorum amid fears, noting reports of danger and the winter ban. It contends such events are insipid and costly, offering little social flattery and urging protective guardians to treat young women cautiously. The writer echoes Fielding through Lady Bellaston’s quip that masquerades are childish to the fashionable, well acquainted crowd.