Richard Brinsley Sheridan's 'The School for Scandal' is a pivotal comedy of manners that critiques the aristocracy's gossip and moral hypocrisy. The play features characters like Lady Sneerwell and Sir Oliver Surface, who navigate a world rife with scandal and pretense. Themes of authenticity, matrimonial strife, and the mechanics of gossip are explored, reflecting Sheridan's keen social observation.
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Sheridan was a multi-talented individual who made a lasting impact on English theatre and politics
Definition of comedy of manners
Comedy of manners is a genre that satirizes the social customs and values of a particular society, often focusing on the aristocracy's affectations and insincerity
"The School for Scandal" as a comedy of manners
Sheridan's play is a prime example of the comedy of manners genre, as it critiques the pretensions and moral duplicity of the aristocratic class
Sheridan's astute observations of society and his enduring wit have solidified his place in English theatre history
The play follows the schemes and scandals of the aristocratic class, while exploring themes of authenticity, moral integrity, and the influence of fashion
Character names as literary technique
Sheridan uses character names to reflect their personalities and societal roles, adding depth and irony to the story
Examples of characters
Characters like Lady Sneerwell and Joseph Surface represent the deceit and calumny prevalent in society, while Charles and Sir Oliver embody honesty and virtue
The playwright's personal experiences and observations of 18th-century society in Bath heavily influenced the content and authenticity of the play
Comedy of manners is a genre that uses satire to critique the social customs and values of a particular society, often focusing on the aristocracy's affectations and insincerity
"The Importance of Being Earnest" by Oscar Wilde
Wilde's play also satirizes the upper class and their societal conventions, making it a notable work in the comedy of manners genre
"Pygmalion" by George Bernard Shaw
Shaw's play also critiques the social hierarchy and the influence of fashion, making it a significant work in the comedy of manners genre
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