The School for Scandal

BY RICHARD BRINSLEY SHERIDAN

ADAPTED BY LEWIS JOHN CARLINO

Elena Scaringe-PeeneRyan Lowery

Significance of Title

One of the significant parts of The School for Scandal is the cabal led by Lady Sneerwell that Lady Teazle joins after she becomes part of the high society. The plot of this play revolves many different scandals that pop up through the storyline. This Is the reason for the title. As Lady Teazle learns how high society works, she learns of all the scandals as well as becoming part of them. It is literally a school for scandal for her.

Setting

London

Mid 1700’ presumably

From the dialogue it could be presumed to take place mostly in a parlor of one form or another.

Themes

Love vs Hate

Trust and Honesty

Forgiveness

Treachery

Betrayel

Conflict, Protagonist &antagonist

Protagonist: Lady Teazle Wishes to fit in with high society,

which she is unused to and in-experienced with.

Antagonist: Lady Sneerwell Wishes to break apart Maria and

Charles so that she can have Charles for herself, going so far as to spread rumors of Lady Teazle having an Affair with Charles as to Put her off.

Summary

The School For Scandal tells the story of Lady Teazle, as she is thrust into high society after marrying Sir Peter Teazle, a wealthy, middle aged bachelor. After coming into a richer life, Lady Teazle ends up a member of a scandalous cabal, a secret political clique, led by Lady Sneerwell who is attempting to come between the romance of Charles Surface and Sir Peter’s servant, Maria. Charles’ older brother, Joseph Surface, joins Lady Sneerwell to achieve his own mischievous means. He eventually lures Lady Teazle to his room in an attempt to create an affair and a scandal, but Sir Peter interrupts . Sir Peter and Lady Teazle make up and are now happy. Charles and Maria continue their romance and everything ends well.

Character’s

Lady Teazle: Protagonist

Sir Peter: supporting protagonist

Maria: S.P. ward, Supporting protagonist

Joseph Surface: definition of self absorbed, supporting antagonist

Charles Surface: honorable suitor, supporting protagonist

Lady Sneerwell: definition of contemptuous manipulation, Antagonist

Oliver Surface: Resolving character, Supporting Protagonist

Snake; the forger: self explanatory, supporting antagonist

Quote’s

“Indeed! And after having married you, I shall never pretend to taste again” (p. 26) –Lady Teazle

“With what a charming air she contradicts everything I say, and how pleasantly she shows her contempt for my authority. Even if I can’t make her love me, there is, at least, sweet satisfaction in quarreling with her. She never appears as lovely as when she is doing everything in her power to plague me.” (p. 27) –Sir Peter Teazle

“Or play the fools at large… on life’s great stage” (p. 78) –Sir Peter Teazle

“No more in vice or error to engage” (p. 78) –Lady Teazle

Unusual words/ references

Fete Champetre: Garden Party

Expostulation: to reason earnestly against

Duodecimo: 12

Egad: used as a mild oath

Oons:

Milliner: a person who designs, makes, and sells hats for women.

Personal reaction

Elena While it had some slow parts, I

thought the overall play was pretty good. It showed a creative look at a scandalous London and has an overall happy ending. If you are into comedies and dramas then this would be a fun play to read.

Ryan Very French with a British twist in

humor.

Seemed like what would have at the time been a modern iteration of a stock plot play with a few personal flourishes.