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Routs were social events characterized by their deliberate overcrowding. Invitations to these gatherings often exceeded comfort levels—one historical account reveals that the number of attendees was typically three times the space could accommodate. This created an atmosphere that was less about revelry in spaciousness and more about the thrill and bustle of mass social interaction.
The Nature of the Entertainment
The entertainment at a rout was as unique as its structure. Primarily, the enjoyment stemmed from the sheer physicality of crowding—pushing, shoving, and the accidental breaking of items became part of the entertainment. The environment was rife with excitement, a chaotic dance of bodies crammed into drawing rooms and hallways.