The School for Scandal and Other Plays

Synopsis

Richly exploited comic situations, effervescent wit, and intricate plots combine to make Sheridan's work among the best of of all English comedy. The School for Scandal (1777) is his masterpiece, a brilliantly crafted comedy of contrasts in which brothers Joseph and Charles Surface contend for Maria, with hilariously differing intentions and results. Also a work of acute comic irony, The Rivals satirizes the romantic posturing of Lydia Languish while her disguised suitor Captain Absolute's resourceful contrivances advance an ever inventive and skilfully wrought plot. Included in this edition are the opera play The Duenna and the rarely printed musical play A Trip to Scarborough, adapted from Vanbrugh's The Relapse. Sheridan's last play, The Critic, is an exuberant parody of the modish tragic drama of the day. Lampooning Sir Fretful Plagiary's absurdly bombastic historical drama during its confused stages of production, its satire never fails to delight. The texts of the plays have been newly edited by the General Editor of the Oxford World's Classics English Drama series. A fine introduction and notes on Sheridan's playhouses and critical inheritance make this an invaluable edition for study and performance alike. ABOUT THE SERIES: For over 100 years Oxford World's Classics has made available the widest range of literature from around the globe. Each affordable volume reflects Oxford's commitment to scholarship, providing the most accurate text plus a wealth of other valuable features, including expert introductions by leading authorities, helpful notes to clarify the text, up-to-date bibliographies for further study, and much more.

Summary

Chapter 1: The School for Scandal

* Summary: The play centers around the scandalous behavior of Lady Teazle, who is married to the wealthy Sir Peter Teazle. Lady Teazle has been flirting with Joseph Surface, the seemingly virtuous nephew of Sir Oliver Surface. Joseph's brother, Charles Surface, is a reckless spendthrift who becomes involved in a scheme to marry Lady Teazle.
* Real Example: Lady Sneerwell, a malicious gossip, spreads rumors about Lady Teazle's indiscretions, leading to a confrontation between Sir Peter and his wife.

Chapter 2: The Rivals

* Summary: The play follows the romantic entanglements of Captain Absolute and Lydia Languish. Lydia is a wealthy heiress who has fallen in love with Absolute, a young officer. However, her guardian, Sir Anthony Absolute, disapproves of the match.
* Real Example: Bob Acres, a cowardly suitor for Lydia's hand, becomes the object of ridicule when he flees from a duel with Absolute.

Chapter 3: The Critic, or A Tragedy Rehearsed

* Summary: The play satirizes the world of theater by presenting a rehearsal of a melodramatic tragedy. The playwright, Mr. Puff, is a pompous and egotistical figure who believes his play is a masterpiece.
* Real Example: Sir Fretful Plagiary, a rival playwright, constantly interrupts Puff's rehearsal with complaints and criticisms.

Chapter 4: The Duenna

* Summary: The play tells the story of two young lovers, Ferdinand and Clara, who are secretly engaged. However, Clara's guardian, Don Jerome, has arranged for her to marry the wealthy Don Isaac.
* Real Example: Isaac Mendoza, a Jewish moneylender, is the comic antagonist of the play who tries to win Clara's hand through schemes and subterfuge.

Chapter 5: A Trip to Scarborough

* Summary: The play follows the adventures of a group of characters at a seaside resort. Among them is Lord Foppington, a foppish dandy who falls in love with Berinthia, a witty and independent woman.
* Real Example: Amanda, Berinthia's friend, is an intelligent and outspoken character who challenges the social conventions of the time.

Chapter 6: The Man of the World

* Summary: The play revolves around the fortunes of Sir Pertinax McSycophant, a rich and corrupt Scottish nobleman. Sir Pertinax's daughter, Peggy, is in love with Egerton, a young man from a lower social class.
* Real Example: Sidney, a friend of Egerton, is a virtuous and honorable character who defends Egerton's reputation against Sir Pertinax's accusations.

Chapter 7: She Stoops to Conquer

* Summary: The play follows the adventures of Charles Marlow, a young man who pretends to be a servant in order to woo Kate Hardcastle, the daughter of a wealthy squire. However, Kate's father mistakes Marlow for a gentleman and welcomes him into his home.
* Real Example: Tony Lumpkin, Kate's stepbrother, is a mischievous and prank-loving character who delights in causing chaos and disruption.