Page 250 - DENG403_BRITISH_DRAMA

British Drama

Notes When Lady Sneerwell is announced, Joseph rushes out to stop her from coming up. Meanwhile, Sir
Peter tells Charles about the “French milliner.” Charles insists on having a look at her and flings
down the screen as Joseph returns, discovering Lady Teazle. Charles, very amused, leaves the other
three dumbstruck individuals. Joseph concocts a phony explanation for Sir Peter of why he and
Lady Teazle are together. But she refuses to endorse it and admits that she came to pursue an affair
with Joseph; however, having learned of Sir Peter’s generosity, she has repented. She denounces
Joseph and exits, and the enraged Sir Peter follows as Joseph continues trying to pretend innocence.

19.5 Act V

19.5.1 Scene I

Sir Oliver (as Mr Stanley) now visits Joseph. Joseph, like Charles, does not recognize his long-lost
uncle. He greets “Stanley” with effusive professions of goodwill, but refuses to give “Stanley” any
financial assistance, saying he has no money to give. “Stanley” suggests that Sir Oliver would help
him if he was here, and that Joseph might pass on some of what Sir Oliver has given him. But
Joseph tells “Stanley” that Sir Oliver is in fact very stingy, and has given him nothing except trinkets
such as tea, shawls, and “Indian crackers.” Furthermore, Joseph has lent a great deal to his brother,
so that he has nothing left for “Stanley.” Sir Oliver is enraged, as he knows both statements are flat
lies - he sent Joseph 12,000 pounds from India. He stifles his anger, and departs amid further effusions.
Rowley arrives with a letter for Joseph announcing that Sir Oliver has arrived in town.

19.5.2 Scene II

At Sir Peter’s house, Lady Sneerwell, Mrs. Candour, Sir Benjamin, and Crabtree exchange confused
rumors about the Teazle affair. Sir Benjamin says Sir Peter was wounded in a swordfight with
Joseph Surface, while Crabtree insists it was a pistol duel with Charles. When Sir Oliver enters, they
take him for a doctor and demand news of the wounded man. At that moment Sir Peter arrives to
prove the report wrong, and orders the scandalmongers out of his house. Sir Oliver says he has met
both of his nephews and agrees with Sir Peter’s (former) estimate of Joseph’s high character, but
then acknowledges with laughter that he knows the story of what happened at Joseph’s with the
closet and screen. When he leaves, Rowley tells Sir Peter that Lady Teazle is in tears in the next
room, and Sir Peter goes to reconcile with her.
Candour, Sneerwell, Backbite, and Crabtree are all at Sir Peter’s house, discussing the events that so
recently transpired at Joseph Surface’s house. However, their information is all wrong, since some
of them think that it was actually Charles and not Joseph who was caught with Lady Teazle.
Furthermore, they seem to think that Sir Peter was wounded in a duel with either swords or pistols
and is at death’s door. Thus, when Sir Oliver enters, everyone seems to think that he is a physician
who is there to treat Sir Peter’s wounds.

19.5.3 Scene III

Lady Sneerwell complains to Joseph that Sir Peter, now that he knows the truth about Joseph, will
allow Charles to marry Maria. They plot to use Snake as a witness to a supposed relationship between
Charles and Lady Sneerwell, and she withdraws.
Sir Oliver arrives. Joseph takes him for “Stanley” and orders him out. Charles arrives and recognizes
“Premium”. Despite the identity confusion, both brothers want the man out before Sir Oliver comes.
As Charles and Joseph try to eject their incognito uncle, Sir Peter and Lady Teazle arrive with
Maria, ending Sir Oliver’s pretense. Sir Oliver, Sir Peter, and Lady Teazle together condemn Joseph,
but Sir Oliver forgives Charles because of his refusal to sell Sir Oliver’s picture and his generous aid

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