The School for Scandal by R. B. Sheridan Easy Explanation

The School  for Scandal  by R.B. Sheridan  Easy Explanation 

 Introduction to Richard Brinsley Sheridan: 

-> Richard Brinsley Sheridan (1751–1816) was an Anglo-Irish playwright.

-> He was also a very famous and influential politician.

-> He was born into a family with strong ties to the theater.

-> His most famous play is The School for Scandal, written in 1777.

-> Another famous play of his is The Rivals.

-> The genre of his plays is called a comedy of manners.

-> He was known for his sharp wit and satirical writing.

-> He owned the famous Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, in London.

-> Sheridan served as a Member of Parliament (MP) for over 30 years.

-> He was a renowned public speaker and orator.

-> He belonged to the Whig party in politics.

-> His plays are seen as a bridge between two different styles of comedy.

-> He used his writing to critique social hypocrisy and false morality.

-> He was close friends with the Prince of Wales, who became King George IV.

-> Despite his success, he faced a lot of financial problems in his life.

Detailed Summary of "The School for Scandal" by Act

Act I: The Introduction of Conflict and Scandal

-> Scene 1: The play opens in Lady Sneerwell's house, a hub of London's social elite and gossipmongers.

-> The "School for Scandal": The audience is introduced to the "school for scandal," a group that includes Lady Sneerwell, Mrs. Candour, Sir Benjamin Backbite, and Crabtree.

-> Malicious Gossip: The group discusses and invents scandalous rumors for their own entertainment and to manipulate social standing.

-> Lady Sneerwell's Plot: She is revealed to be in love with Charles Surface and, with her accomplice Snake, plots to destroy his reputation to prevent his marriage to Maria.

-> Joseph's Complicity: Joseph Surface, who also wants to marry Maria, is shown to be a conspirator with Lady Sneerwell.

-> Maria's Character: Maria, a wealthy and virtuous young woman and Sir Peter Teazle's ward, is introduced. She finds the gossips disgusting and rejects Joseph's false piety.

-> The Surface Brothers' Rivalry: The central conflict is established: the virtuous but spendthrift Charles and the hypocritical but outwardly moral Joseph are rivals for Maria's hand.

Act II: The Development of the Subplot

-> Sir Peter and Lady Teazle's Marriage: The act begins with a heated argument between Sir Peter and his much younger wife, Lady Teazle.

-> Generational Conflict: Their quarrel highlights the tension between Sir Peter's old-fashioned values and Lady Teazle's desire for London's fashionable lifestyle.

-> Lady Teazle's Frustration: Lady Teazle expresses her frustration with her husband's jealousy and his constant complaints about her spending.

-> Joseph's Temptation: Joseph Surface enters and, with his false sense of virtue, attempts to seduce Lady Teazle while pretending to give her moral advice.

-> The News of Sir Oliver: Sir Peter's good friend, Sir Oliver Surface, returns from the East Indies after a long absence.

-> The Plan for an Heir: Sir Oliver, who is the uncle of the Surface brothers, plans to test his nephews' true character to decide which one will receive his inheritance.

-> Sir Peter's Bias: Sir Peter expresses his biased opinion, praising the seemingly moral Joseph and condemning the reckless Charles.

-> The Set-up: The act ends with the plan for Sir Oliver to use a disguise to observe his nephews' true natures.

Act III: The Beginning of the Test Plot

-> Sir Oliver's First Disguise: Sir Oliver, with the help of Sir Peter's servant, disguises himself as a moneylender named Mr. Premium.

-> The Test of Charles: As Mr. Premium, he visits Charles Surface, who is in desperate need of money to pay off his debts.

-> The Auction: Charles, in a key scene, holds an "auction" to sell off his family's possessions to pay his creditors.

-> Charles's Loyalty: Charles agrees to sell everything, including family portraits, except for a portrait of his beloved uncle, Sir Oliver.

-> The Revelation of a Good Heart: Charles’s refusal to sell his uncle’s portrait, despite his financial desperation, proves his genuine affection and good heart to the disguised Sir Oliver.

-> Sir Oliver's Positive Judgment: Convinced of Charles's goodness, Sir Oliver now knows which nephew is the more worthy heir.

-> The Second Test: Sir Oliver then decides to carry out a second test, this time on Joseph, to see if he is truly as virtuous as he seems.

-> The New Disguise: Sir Oliver prepares to disguise himself again, this time as a poor, elderly relative named Mr. Stanley.

Act IV: The Climax and Unmasking

-> The Test of Joseph: Sir Oliver, as Mr. Stanley, visits Joseph Surface to test his generosity.

-> Joseph's Hypocrisy: Joseph, while giving a moralistic speech about poverty, coldly turns away the disguised Sir Oliver without any help.

-> The "Screen Scene": Lady Teazle, having been compromised by Joseph's advances, is in his library when Sir Peter arrives unexpectedly.

-> Hiding the Affair: Lady Teazle hides behind a large screen while Joseph attempts to deceive Sir Peter.

-> The Arrival of Charles: As Joseph and Sir Peter are talking, Charles arrives, forcing Sir Peter to also hide behind a curtain.

-> The Dramatic Revelation: In the play's most famous moment, Charles knocks the screen over, revealing Lady Teazle to her husband.

-> Exposure of Lies: This event exposes Joseph's hypocrisy and deceit, and it proves that the rumors of Lady Teazle's affair with Charles were false.

-> Sir Peter's Shock: Sir Peter is shocked and heartbroken by his wife's presence in Joseph's room.

Act V: Resolution and Denouement

-> Reconciliation: The act begins with a poignant reconciliation between Sir Peter and Lady Teazle, who takes full responsibility for her actions.

-> The Final Confrontation: Sir Oliver reveals his true identity to both nephews and to Sir Peter, confirming his judgment.

-> Justice for Charles: He rewards Charles with his full inheritance, acknowledging his honest and good heart.

-> Justice for Joseph: Joseph is publicly shamed for his hypocrisy and deceit, and he is disowned by his uncle.

-> Exposure of the Gossips: Lady Sneerwell's malicious plot is exposed when Snake, her accomplice, reveals the truth behind the forged letters.

-> A Happy Ending: The play concludes with a restoration of social order. Charles is given his fortune, and he is now free to marry Maria, who had always loved him.

-> The End of the "School": The "school for scandal" is discredited and shamed, and the moral of the play is clear: honesty and virtue triumph over deceit and slander.

Character Sketches: 

Sir Peter Teazle

-> Background: He is an elderly, wealthy gentleman, described as being in his late fifties.

-> Marital Status: He has been married for six months to a much younger woman, Lady Teazle.

-> Personality: He is fundamentally a good-hearted and honorable man, but he is also prone to jealousy and insecurity due to the age gap in his marriage.

-> Marital Conflict: The play opens with his constant bickering and arguments with Lady Teazle about her extravagance and social life.

-> Role in the Plot: His marital strife is a central subplot that becomes intertwined with the main plot.

-> Deception: He is completely fooled by Joseph Surface's public display of virtue and considers him a model of morality.

-> Perspective: He represents an older generation's values, which are in conflict with the new, fashionable values of London society.

-> Vulnerability: He is highly vulnerable to the malicious gossip of the "school for scandal."

-> Emotional State: He frequently expresses his exasperation with his wife, but underneath his complaints, there is a deep affection for her.

-> Dramatic Irony: The audience is aware of Joseph's true nature, which makes Sir Peter's praise of him dramatically ironic and comedic.

-> The Screen Scene: He is a central figure in this scene, hiding behind a curtain and then witnessing his wife's presence behind the screen.

-> Moment of Revelation: The screen's toppling over is his moment of revelation, as he finally sees the truth of Joseph's hypocrisy and his wife's indiscretion.

-> Reconciliation: After the screen scene, he and Lady Teazle have a sincere and heartfelt reconciliation, where he forgives her and expresses his love.

-> Forgiveness: He proves his virtue by choosing forgiveness over revenge, demonstrating that he is a better man than Joseph.

-> Witty Dialogue: He delivers some of the play's most memorable lines, often in a self-deprecating or exasperated tone.

-> Social Commentary: Through his character, Sheridan critiques the follies and challenges of a May-December marriage.

-> Moral Stand: He values honesty and integrity, which is why he is so shocked and betrayed by Joseph's deceit.

-> Paternal Role: He acts as a father figure to Maria, who is his ward, and is concerned for her well-being.

-> Symbolism: He symbolizes the older, more honorable world that is being corrupted by the new social order.

-> Resolution: His character's journey ends with him finding happiness and peace in his marriage, having learned a valuable lesson.

Lady Teazle

-> Origin: A young woman from the country, she is new to London society.

-> Social Status: She is the wife of Sir Peter Teazle, which gives her access to the highest social circles.

-> Personality: She is spirited, witty, and headstrong, but also naive and easily swayed by the allure of fashion and social climbing.

-> Marital Frustration: She is frustrated by her husband's constant complaints about her spending and his jealousy.

-> Rebellion: Her flirtation with Joseph Surface is more of a rebellion against Sir Peter than a genuine attraction to Joseph.

-> The "School for Scandal": She is an enthusiastic participant in the gossip circle, which is a major source of conflict in her marriage.

-> Moral Compass: While she engages in scandalous behavior, she is not malicious and shows a fundamental goodness.

-> Dialogue: Her dialogue is sharp and witty, often matching her husband's in their verbal sparring.

-> The Screen Scene: She is a central figure in this scene, where her hidden presence behind the screen becomes the catalyst for the climax.

-> Moment of Shame: When the screen is knocked over, her shame is immediate and profound, serving as a moment of genuine self-realization.

-> Emotional Journey: She undergoes a significant emotional journey from a naive and rebellious wife to a repentant and mature woman.

-> Reconciliation: She and Sir Peter share a heartfelt reconciliation, where she takes responsibility for her actions and he forgives her.

-> Vulnerability: Her character highlights the vulnerability of women in high society, who were often judged on their reputation.

-> Thematic Role: She serves as a vehicle for Sheridan's critique of the empty social pursuits of London's elite.

-> Character Arc: She is one of the few characters in the play who experiences significant personal growth.

-> Motivations: Her primary motivation is a desire to be fashionable and accepted by her peers.

-> Relationship with Joseph: She sees him as a means of getting back at her husband, not as a potential partner.

-> Symbolism: She symbolizes a kind of innocence that is nearly corrupted by the cynical world of London.

-> Impact: Her actions and journey drive the emotional core of the play and lead to its moral resolution.

-> Final State: By the end, she has rejected the world of scandal and found happiness in her honest, though imperfect, marriage.

Joseph Surface

-> Identity: The elder of the two Surface brothers.

-> Persona: He is a master of hypocrisy and a "man of sentiment" in public.

-> Appearance: He is known for his handsome looks and seemingly virtuous demeanor.

-> Moral Disguise: His moralizing speeches and acts of false piety are a disguise for his selfish and calculating nature.

-> Goal: He seeks to marry Maria for her fortune and to secure his inheritance from his uncle.

-> Antagonistic Role: He is the central antagonist of the play, actively plotting against his brother, Charles.

-> Conspiracy: He conspires with Lady Sneerwell to spread malicious rumors about Charles.

-> Deceit: He attempts to deceive Sir Peter Teazle by feigning concern for his marriage.

-> Financial Status: He is secretly in debt, which makes his public image of moral rectitude even more hypocritical.

-> The "Test Plot": His true nature is exposed during Sir Oliver's test when he cold-heartedly refuses to help a disguised Sir Oliver, his supposed "poor relation."

-> The Screen Scene: This scene is his ultimate downfall, as his lies and deceit are laid bare for all to see.

-> Lack of Conscience: Unlike Lady Teazle, he shows no remorse or regret for his actions.

-> Symbolism: He symbolizes the false morality and affectation of the sentimental comedy that Sheridan was satirizing.

-> Character Type: He is a classic villain archetype, a wolf in sheep's clothing.

-> Relationship with Lady Teazle: He sees her as a means to his end, a tool to discredit Charles and further his own social standing.

-> Dialogue: His dialogue is often filled with clichés and verbose, moralistic pronouncements.

-> Motivation: His primary motivations are greed, ambition, and a desire to maintain his social reputation at any cost.

-> Contrast: He serves as a direct foil to his honest brother, Charles, highlighting the theme of appearance vs. reality.

-> Downfall: By the end of the play, his reputation is completely destroyed, and he is disowned by his uncle.

-> Final State: He is left with nothing, a fitting end for a character whose life was built on a foundation of lies.

Charles Surface

-> Identity: The younger of the two Surface brothers.

-> Personality: He is charming, good-natured, and generous, but also reckless and a spendthrift.

-> Reputation: He has a bad reputation in London society due to his constant partying and debts.

-> Moral Core: Despite his flaws, he has a strong moral core and a good heart.

-> Test of Loyalty: During Sir Oliver's test, he proves his loyalty and affection for his uncle by refusing to sell his portrait.

-> Generosity: He is generous to a fault, willingly spending his money on his friends.

-> Financial Status: He is deeply in debt, which is a key plot point.

-> Motivation: He is motivated by genuine affection and a desire for a good time, not by malice or greed.

-> The Auction Scene: His actions in this scene, where he auctions off his family's possessions, reveal his true character.

-> Foil: He serves as a direct foil to his hypocritical brother, Joseph.

-> Romantic Role: He is the romantic hero of the play and the one who eventually wins Maria's hand.

-> The "Screen Scene": He is a key player in the screen scene, as his unexpected arrival forces Sir Peter to hide.

-> Lack of Hypocrisy: He is completely honest about his flaws, which is what makes him so likable.

-> Relationship with Maria: His affection for Maria is genuine and sincere, unlike Joseph's.

-> Thematic Role: He represents the idea that a person's true character is more important than their social reputation.

-> Resolution: He is rewarded with his uncle's fortune and Maria's hand, a clear victory of virtue over vice.

-> Social Commentary: His character is a commentary on the dangers of reckless living, but also on the importance of having a good heart.

-> Dialogue: His dialogue is often witty and lively, reflecting his charming and carefree personality.

-> Transformation: Unlike Lady Teazle, he doesn't undergo a major transformation, but his true character is revealed and confirmed by the end of the play.

-> Legacy: He is the hero who restores order and happiness to the play's world.

Sir Oliver Surface

-> Identity: The wealthy uncle of Charles and Joseph.

-> Background: He has just returned to England after living in the East Indies for 16 years.

-> Motivation: He wants to discover which of his two nephews is more worthy of his fortune.

-> Role: He acts as the play's moral arbiter and the driving force behind the plot.

-> Method: He devises a clever plan to test his nephews by using disguises.

-> Disguise 1: He first disguises himself as the moneylender Mr. Premium to test Charles.

-> Disguise to: He then disguises himself as the poor relation Mr. Stanley to test Joseph.

-> Wisdom: He is a wise, worldly character who is not easily fooled by appearances.

-> Observations: He observes both of his nephews' characters firsthand.

-> Judgment of Charles: He is impressed by Charles's generosity and loyalty, despite his recklessness.

-> Judgment of Joseph: He is disgusted by Joseph's cold-hearted hypocrisy.

-> Final Revelation: He reveals his true identity to both nephews in the final act.

-> Act of Justice: His decision to reward Charles and disown Joseph is an act of theatrical justice.

-> Moral Stand: He represents a clear and uncompromising moral stance, valuing honesty above all else.

-> Symbolism: He symbolizes the theme of truth and revelation, as his return forces the characters to drop their pretenses.

-> Dialogue: His dialogue is often witty and insightful, providing a commentary on the events of the play.

-> Relationship with Sir Peter: He is a close friend of Sir Peter Teazle.

-> Paternal Role: He acts as a father figure to his nephews and is deeply concerned for their moral character.

-> Plot Device: His character serves as a central plot device that links the different storylines together.

-> Conclusion: His character's actions lead directly to the happy and just conclusion of the play.

Lady Sneerwell

-> Identity: The leader of the "school for scandal."

-> Social Status: She is a wealthy widow with a large social circle.

-> Personality: She is malicious, cynical, and calculating.

-> The "School": She hosts the gossip circle where she and her friends spread rumors for entertainment and personal gain.

-> Motivation: She is driven by a secret love for Charles Surface, which fuels her desire to ruin his reputation and prevent him from marrying Maria.

-> Deceit: She uses her accomplice, Snake, to forge letters and spread false rumors.

-> Antagonistic Role: She is the play's primary antagonist, driving the plot's conflict.

-> Conspiracy: She conspires with Joseph Surface, believing they share a common goal of ruining Charles.

-> Dialogue: Her dialogue is often filled with witty but venomous remarks and innuendo.

-> Cynicism: She is deeply cynical about human nature and sees everyone as a potential target for gossip.

-> Manipulation: She is a master manipulator who uses her social influence to control events.

-> Lack of Morality: She has no moral compass and enjoys the act of destroying others' reputations.

-> Foil: She serves as a foil to the honest and sincere characters like Charles and Sir Peter.

-> Downfall: Her plot is exposed in the final act, and she is left isolated and shamed.

-> Thematic Role: She is the embodiment of the destructive power of gossip and slander.

-> Relationship with Snake: Her relationship with Snake is purely transactional, based on their shared love of intrigue.

-> The "Tea-Table" Scene: She is a central figure in the opening scene, setting the tone for the play's satirical critique of high society.

-> Final State: She is left without her love interest or her social power, a fitting end for a character whose entire identity was built on malice.

-> Symbolism: She symbolizes the superficiality and cruelty of the social world.

-> Legacy: Her name has become synonymous with a malicious gossip.

Deeper Structural Analysis of the Play

-> A Double-Plotted Masterpiece: The play's structure is not just a main plot and a subplot; it’s a brilliant fusion of two distinct dramatic engines.

-> The Gossip Plot (The "School"): This plot establishes the social world of the play. It functions as a constant, low-level antagonist, with the gossips acting like a destructive Greek chorus, commenting on and attempting to influence the action.

-> The Test Plot (Sir Oliver's Return): This plot is the catalyst for the play's dramatic action. Sir Oliver's arrival and his subsequent disguises force the truth to come to light and provide the necessary engine for the resolution.

-> The "Screen Scene" as a Structural Hub: This scene in Act IV is not just a climactic moment; it is the structural lynchpin that resolves both plots simultaneously.

-> Thematic Resonance of the Structure: The play's structure, with its multiple plots and theatrical devices (like the screen), directly mirrors its central themes of appearance vs. reality and the performance of social roles.

Language, Wit, and Thematic Dialogue

-> Wit as a Tool of Satire: Sheridan's wit is not just for amusement; it is a primary vehicle for the play's satirical critique.

-> Epigrams and Aphorisms: The dialogue is filled with witty, memorable lines that often serve as a punchy summary of the play's themes.

-> The "Scandalous Tea-Table": The conversations of the gossip circle are a brilliant example of how language itself can be used as a weapon.

-> The Dialogue of Hypocrisy: Joseph's dialogue is deliberately verbose and filled with moralistic clichés, in stark contrast to his actions.

 Themes

Theme 1: Hypocrisy and True Virtue

-> The Central Conflict: The theme is explored through the direct contrast between the two Surface brothers, Joseph and Charles.

-> Joseph's Hypocrisy: Joseph is the embodiment of hypocrisy. He uses a facade of virtue, morality, and "sentiment" to hide his selfish and calculating nature.

-> "Appearance vs. Reality": This theme is a key component of the play's critique. Joseph's public persona is one of moral rectitude, but his private actions are deceitful.

-> Charles's True Virtue: Charles, despite his reckless spending and bad reputation, possesses a genuine and honest heart. He is virtuous in his deeds, not in his words.

-> The Role of Sir Oliver: Sir Oliver's tests are specifically designed to strip away appearances and reveal a person's true character.

-> The First Test: Charles's loyalty is revealed when he refuses to sell his uncle's portrait, an act of sentiment that is truly genuine.

-> The Second Test: Joseph's hypocrisy is exposed when he coldly turns away the disguised Sir Oliver, proving his charity is nothing but a verbal performance.

-> The "Screen Scene": This scene is the ultimate unmasking. Joseph's carefully constructed image of virtue is shattered for all to see.

-> Sheridan's Message: Sheridan argues that a person's true worth is not found in their public declarations of goodness but in their actions and inner character.

-> Thematic Justice: The play's ending serves as a clear thematic statement: the outwardly flawed but honest character is rewarded, while the outwardly flawless but deceitful character is punished.

Theme 2: The Dangers of Gossip and Slander

-> The "School for Scandal": The play’s title itself names this theme, which is a central force in the narrative.

-> Gossip as a Weapon: The gossipmongers, led by Lady Sneerwell, use malicious rumors as a weapon to destroy reputations and manipulate social circles.

-> Social Consequences: The gossip has real-world consequences, most notably in nearly ruining the marriage of Sir Peter and Lady Teazle.

-> Motivations: The characters are motivated by a mix of boredom, jealousy, and social ambition. Lady Sneerwell wants to eliminate Charles's reputation to secure him for herself.

-> The Role of Snake: Snake is a professional accomplice who forges letters and spreads rumors for payment, highlighting the calculated and cold nature of the gossip.

-> The "Tea-Table" Scene: This scene is a masterclass in how language can be used to subtly and effectively slander people through insinuation, irony, and "friendly" concern.

-> The Vulnerability of Reputation: The play shows how easily a person's reputation can be ruined, regardless of the truth, simply through persistent rumor.

-> The Unraveling: The play structurally moves from a world dominated by gossip to a world where truth is revealed.

-> The Resolution: The climax and denouement serve to expose the gossips' lies and discredit them, restoring order to the social world.

-> Lasting Relevance: The theme of gossip remains relevant today, as the play serves as a timeless critique of how a person's image can be manipulated and destroyed by innuendo and misinformation.

Theme 3: Love, Marriage, and Generational Conflict

-> The Central Couple: The theme is primarily explored through the tumultuous marriage of Sir Peter and Lady Teazle.

-> The "May-December" Marriage: Their significant age difference is a constant source of conflict, with Sir Peter's old-fashioned values clashing with his young wife's desire for a modern, fashionable life.

-> Jealousy and Misunderstanding: Sir Peter's jealousy and Lady Teazle's naive rebellion against him create a fertile ground for the gossipmongers to exploit.

-> Love vs. Money: The play presents different models of love. Sir Peter’s marriage is a mix of love and a social contract. Joseph's pursuit of Maria is entirely for her fortune.

-> The Role of Maria: Maria represents a more romantic and virtuous ideal of love. She rejects the false sentiment of Joseph and remains committed to the honest character of Charles.

-> The Catalyst for Change: The screen scene acts as a catalyst for a positive change in Sir Peter and Lady Teazle’s marriage.

-> Genuine Reconciliation: After the climax, Sir Peter and Lady Teazle have a sincere, non-sentimental reconciliation, based on forgiveness and honesty.

-> The Happy Ending: The final resolution of the play, with Charles and Maria's engagement, represents the triumph of true love over arranged marriages and cynical social maneuvering.

-> Critique of Sentimentality: Sheridan uses the love stories to subtly critique the sentimental comedies of his time, which often presented love in a highly idealized, unrealistic way.

-> The Restoration of Order: The play concludes by restoring order to both the marital and romantic plots, affirming the value of honest relationships and genuine affection.

The School for Scandal as a Comedy of Manners

-> Definition: A comedy of manners is a satirical play that mocks the manners and social conventions of the upper class.

-> Setting: The entire play is set in London, specifically within the drawing-rooms and houses of high society.

-> Characters: All the main characters are members of the fashionable elite or are trying to join it.

-> Social Convention: The plot revolves around strict social rules, gossip, and the proper way to behave.

-> Witty Dialogue: The dialogue is full of clever, fast-paced wit and sharp one-liners.

-> Focus on Gossip: The play's central conflict, the "school for scandal," is a perfect example of this genre's focus on gossip and reputation.

-> Satire of Hypocrisy: Sheridan uses satire to mock characters like Joseph Surface, who pretends to be virtuous while acting selfishly.

-> Appearance vs. Reality: The play’s main theme is the contrast between how characters appear in public and who they truly are in private.

-> Stock Characters: The play uses classic character types common to the genre, such as the wit (Charles), the gossip (Lady Sneerwell), and the foppish gentleman (Sir Benjamin Backbite).

-> Emphasis on Intellect: The humor comes from the clever dialogue and the intellectual unmasking of character, not from slapstick or physical comedy.

-> Disguise: Sir Oliver's use of disguises is a classic theatrical device to expose the truth and reveal character.

-> Marriage as a Business: The play critiques the idea of marriage for social status or financial gain, as seen in Joseph's pursuit of Maria.

-> Social Critique: The play is a sharp critique of the artificiality and moral decay of high-society London in the 18th century.

-> Lack of Sentimentalism: Sheridan satirized the popular "sentimental comedies" of his day, which focused on emotional excess rather than intellectual wit.

-> Restoration of Social Order: The play's ending resolves all conflicts by restoring the proper social order and condemning those who disrupted it.

-> The "Man of Sense": Characters like Sir Oliver act as a moral compass or "man of sense" who exposes the folly of others.

-> Fashion and Folly: The characters' obsessions with fashion, social trends, and their public image are a constant source of humor.

-> The Screen Scene: The play's most famous scene is a perfect example of a comedy of manners, using a clever, intricate plot device to expose a character's hypocrisy.

-> Moral Over Folly: While the play satirizes folly, it ultimately rewards moral characters (Charles, Maria) and punishes the malicious ones (Joseph, Lady Sneerwell).

-> Legacy: The School for Scandal is considered one of the greatest examples of the comedy of manners, reviving the genre for the 18th century and beyond.