Summary for School for Scandal by Sheridan

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School for Scandal

                           -Richard Brinsley Sheridan.


The School for Scandal is a play written by Richard Brinsley Sheridan. This play was performed at Dury Lane Theatre in the year 1777. It is one of the greatest comedies of manners in English. Gossiping is  major theme in School for Scandal. In this play Sheridan explores the artifice and superficiality of the upper class English people of 18th century.

Joseph Surface the brother of Charles Surface pretends to be morally good. He tries to spoil the reputation of his brother. Both the brothers desire to marry Maria, who is a wealthy ward of Peter Teazle. Peter Teazle is disgust about the immodest nature of Charles. He wants his ward to marry Joseph Surface.

Joseph surface and lady Sneerwell circulate false stories to exploit the reputation of Charles. Sneerwell spreads a false story stating that Charles is in love with Lady Teazle, the wife of Peter Teazle. But the fact is Joseph Surface is maintaining a secret-affair with Lady Teazle.

Sir Peter Teazle explores the villainous nature of Joseph when he meets him at his house. He meets Charles and detects his wife Lady Teazle behind the screen. In this scene he explores the real nature of Joseph.

Sir Oliver Surface the uncle of Joseph and Charles Surface returns from East after sixteen years. He identifies the real character of both the brothers. Peter Teazle after discovering the truth about Charles consents for the marriage of Maria and Charles. Peter Teazle and Lady Teazle plans to lead a peaceful and happy life. This play also presents the malicious and fraudulent activities of scandal mongers.

This play is two-folded. The first section depicts the story of Lady Sneerwell and the scandal mongers and the second fold concerns the two Surface brothers. The scandal mongers are fond of spreading rumours and gossips. They gain happiness through gossipings. There are characters like Snake, Benjamin back bite, Mrs. Candour and Mr. Crabtree who spread gossips about people.

Sheridan has satirised the life style of his contemporary men and women in a very amusing way. The School for Scandal is one of his masterpiece. Robert Herring claims “ School for Scandal remains the best English satirical comedy…”

 

 

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