48 pages1 hour read

The School for Scandal

Fiction | Play | Adult | Published in 1777

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Book Brief

Richard Brinsley Sheridan

The School for Scandal

Fiction | Play | Adult | Published in 1777
Book Details
Pages

91

Format

Play • Fiction

Genre
Classic Fiction

Comedy & Satire
Setting

London • 1770s

Theme
Social Class

Love

Loyalty & Betrayal
Publication Year

1777

Publisher

Digireads.Com

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

15+ years

Roundup icon

Super Short Summary

In School for Scandal, Richard Brinsley Sheridan humorizes the high society of 18th-century England, where gossip and scandal dominate. Lady Sneerwell, aided by Snake, spreads malicious rumors, aiming to ruin the love life of young Maria and her suitor, Charles Surface. Sir Oliver Surface returns to uncover the true natures of his nephews, Charles and Joseph, leading to revelations and social consequences.

Humorous

Playful

Romantic

Reviews & Readership

4.0

7,969 ratings

57%

Loved it

29%

Mixed feelings

14%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

Richard Brinsley Sheridan's School for Scandal garners praise for its witty dialogue, sharp social commentary, and memorable characters. Critics commend its enduring humor and insight into human nature. However, some find the plot contrived and characters exaggerated. Overall, its clever satire and lively theatrics make it a classic in comedic literature.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The School for Scandal?

Readers who relish satirical comedies of manners, such as Oscar Wilde's The Importance of Being Earnest, will enjoy Richard Brinsley Sheridan's School for Scandal. This play appeals to those who appreciate witty dialogue, social commentary, and the mockery of high society's hypocrisies.

4.0

7,969 ratings

57%

Loved it

29%

Mixed feelings

14%

Not a fan

Character List

Sir Peter Teazle

A middle-aged man living in town, recently married to the younger Lady Teazle, grappling with the complexities and misunderstandings within his marriage. He expresses a disdain for gossip and scandal but finds himself entangled in them nonetheless.

A young woman from the country who moves to town after marrying Sir Peter, she initially enjoys the town's high society but ultimately seeks independence from Sir Peter’s controlling ways. Her character is central to many of the play’s events and dynamic growth.

A young man raised by Sir Peter, who maintains a public façade of virtue while privately sowing discord through deceit and gossip. His schemes are central to the unfolding scandals.

Joseph's brother, who is known for his extravagant lifestyle, yet retains a deeper moral integrity beneath his libertine surface. His honest nature contrasts with Joseph's duplicity.

The uncle of Joseph and Charles, who adopts disguises to test the true nature of his nephews. His actions and interventions support the play’s revelations and resolutions.

An upper-class woman who leads a group of gossipers and collaborates with Joseph in crafting and spreading rumors. Her intentions add layers of intrigue and deception.

Fun Facts

The School for Scandal premiered at the Drury Lane Theatre in London in 1777, establishing Richard Brinsley Sheridan not only as a leading playwright of his time but also as the manager of the theatre itself.

The original production of The School for Scandal featured elaborate set designs and costumes, which were considered quite expensive and elaborate for theatrical productions of the 18th century, adding to its allure and popularity.

Subscribe to discover more Fun Facts!

The play is often noted for its satirical portrayal of gossip and hypocrisy, a reflection of Sheridan's own experiences with high society and its scandalmongering tendencies.

Subscribe to discover more Fun Facts!

Book Details
Pages

91

Format

Play • Fiction

Genre
Classic Fiction

Comedy & Satire
Setting

London • 1770s

Theme
Social Class

Love

Loyalty & Betrayal
Publication Year

1777

Publisher

Digireads.Com

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

15+ years

Buy This Book

Continue your reading experience

Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 9,300+ additional titles.