The School for Scandal and Other Plays
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Author Description
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.
Menrva's Summary
THE PULSE
Richard Brinsley Sheridan’s collection presents a series of comedic conflicts centered on social artifice, romantic posturing, and the absurdity of theatrical conventions. The protagonists navigate complex webs of deception, often involving mistaken identities, rivalries between siblings, and the social pressures of 18th-century high society. Sheridan utilizes a third-person dramatic framework, relying on rapid-fire dialogue and situational irony to expose the hypocrisy of his characters. The narrative world is defined by the rigid social hierarchies of the era, where reputation is a currency and wit serves as both a weapon and a shield.
INSIDE THE PAGES
- Use of intricate, multi-layered plot structures involving elaborate schemes.
- Sharp, effervescent dialogue characterized by rapid repartee and verbal irony.
- Satirical examination of romantic tropes and the affectations of the aristocracy.
- Inclusion of musical elements and operatic structures in specific works.
- Parody of contemporary theatrical trends and dramatic bombast.
- Exploration of moral contrasts through character archetypes like the hypocrite and the rake.
- Focus on the mechanics of social performance and public reputation.
- Integration of historical context regarding 18th-century playhouses and production.
THE COLLECTIVE ECHO
Readers and critics frequently highlight the enduring vitality of Sheridan’s wit, noting that his plays remain effective for both academic study and modern performance. Discussion often centers on the precision of his characterizations, particularly how he balances farcical situations with biting social commentary. Scholars emphasize the technical skill required to execute his complex plots, which often rely on perfectly timed revelations and misunderstandings. The consensus suggests that these works provide a clear window into the theatrical sensibilities of the late 18th century while maintaining a comedic accessibility that transcends their original era.
Page Count:
495
Publication Date:
1998-01-01
Publisher:
OUP Oxford
ISBN-10:
0191605131
ISBN-13:
9780191605130
Drama
Satire
Classic Literature
Comedy
Special Topics
Plays
Humanities
Theatre
Dramatic works
Restoration Comedy
