Page 266 - DENG403_BRITISH_DRAMA

British Drama

Notes • Most significant, The School for Scandal is not all for exposing scandals; it is a blend of satire
and compassion. Sheridan was a sharp observer of a modish society; however, the brilliance
of his satire was tempered with humanity. When he satirizes the ballooning of the rumor
concerning Sir Peter’s mythical duel with Charles, Sheridan is not vindictive, but just
reportorial.

20.4 Keywords

Caricature : A pictorial, written, or acted representation of a person, which exaggerates his
characteristic traits for comic effect.
Humor : A comic, absurd, or incongruous quality causing amusement: the humor of a
situation.
Dissipation : Dissolute way of living, or unrestrained indulgence in physical pleasures, especially
excessive drinking of liquor; intemperance.
Moneylender : A person or organization whose business it is to lend money at interest.
Scoundrel : An unprincipled, worthless, dishonorable person; villain.
Villain : A cruelly malicious person who is involved in or devoted to wickedness or crime;
scoundrel.
Slanderous : A malicious, false, and defamatory statement or report.
Tale-bearer : A person who spreads gossip, secrets, etc., that may cause trouble or harm.
Hypocrisy : A pretense of having a virtuous character, moral or religious beliefs or principles,
etc., that one does not really possess.

20.5 Review Questions

1. Which character in the play do you most admire? Explain your answer.
2. Which character do you list admire? Explain your answer.
3. Compare and contrast The School for Scandal with a modern situation comedy.
4. Which role in the play do you think poses the greatest challenge for an actor? Explain your
answer.
5. Give a critical view of the following characters in The School for Scandal:
(a) Sir Peter Teazle (b) Maria (c) Joseph Surface

Answers: Self Assessment

1. (a) 2. (b) 3. (c)
4. (d) 5. (a) 6. sentimentalism
7. civilized urbane 8. conversation 9. artificial
10. occupation 11. True 12. False
13. True 14. True 15. True
16. (a) 17. (b) 18. (c)
19. dissipation 20. scandalous school 21. Joseph and Maria
22. slander anyone 23. broader humanity 24. True
25. False 26. True 27. False
28. True

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