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The School for Scandal and Other Plays

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( 397 ratings, 27 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The School for Scandal and Other Plays by Richard Sheridan is a collection of classic 18th-century comedies centred around themes of social satire. The most famous, The School for Scandal, cleverly critiques the frivolity and pretentiousness of the so-called polite society through witty dialogue and convoluted plots. This collection showcases Sheridan's masterful use of humour to expose the hypocrisy and follies within various social circles.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This collection may appeal to you if you enjoy witty comedies of manners that satirise high society with sharp dialogue and engaging characters. Richard Sheridan's plays are celebrated for their clever plots and lively humour, offering a timeless exploration of gossip, deceit, and human follies within the context of 18th-century social dynamics.

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Includes three plays "The Rivals", "School for Scandal", "The Critic". In "The Rivals", Captain Absolute becomes his own rival for the hand of Lydia Languish - wooing her under another name, while her aunt, the verbally inept Mrs Malaprop, wishes her to marry the real Captain.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

A collection of three of the sharpest Restoration comedies.

The three plays collected in this volume demonstrate Sheridan's unerring ability to create unrivalled comedy out of ingenious plots, witty repartee, farcical situations and flamboyant characters. And while he never overtly moralises, Sheridan uses brilliant comedy to deflate hypocrisy and satirise the manners of his age.

In The Rivals, Captain Absolute becomes his own rival for the hand of Lydia Languish, wooing her under another name, while her aunt, the verbally inept Mrs Malaprop, wishes her to marry the real Captain.

School for Scandal continues the theme of imposture when Sir Oliver tests his nephews by appearing to them in disguise, and learns that reputation and the approval of society are of little value.

And The Critic, featuring the pompous Puff and the arrogant Sneer, is a mocking depiction of the theatre, playwrights and, of course, critics.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

The School for Scandal and Other Plays by Richard Sheridan has been well-received for its wit, clever dialogue, and critiques of social pretensions. Reviewers often praise Sheridan's sharp characterisations and timeless commentary on gossip and hypocrisy in society. The play is still celebrated for its humour and insightful observations, maintaining its relevance over time.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780140432404

Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 27 October 1988

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Penguin Classics

Contributors:

  • Edited by Eric Rump
  • Introduction by Eric Rump
  • Notes by Eric Rump

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 16.0mm

Width: 130.0mm

Height: 198.0mm

Weight: 220g

Pages: 288

About the Author

Richard Brinsley Sheridan (1751 - 1816) was the son of an actor-elocutionist and educated at Harrow. He escorted the singer Elizabeth Linley to France, fought two duels on her behalf and married her in 1773. In 1775 he made a spectacular debut as a dramatist with The Rivals, St Patrick's Day and The Duenna, a comic opera. In 1776 he acquired Garrick's share in the Drury Lane Theatre which he managed until it burnt down in 1809. The School for Scandal was produced in 1777. From 1780 till 1812, Sheridan was an MP and held several government offices. Eric Rump is an Associate Professor of English at Glendon Collge, York University, Toronto. He is the author of a number of articles on both Restoration and modern drama.

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