The School for Scandal by Richard Brinsley Sheridan as a Restoration Comedy or ‘Comedy of Manners’

The School for Scandal

Richard Brinsley Sheridan

“The School for Scandal” by Richard Brinsley Sheridan as a Restoration Comedy or ‘Comedy of Manners’

Answer: The Restoration period (1660-1700) had a great impact on the life and literature of the contemporary era. This period is called the period of Restoration because it was during this period that the English literary tradition was restored with the restoration of the monarchy.

In the Commonwealth era, Charles II, the son of Charles I, fled England and came to France. After the fall of the Commonwealth, the people of England brought him back and made him King of England (May 29, 1660).

He remained in power until his death in 1685, when James II, another son of Charles I, ascended the throne. He was a Catholic and most of the people who were protesting wanted to overthrow him. In 1688 there was a glorious revolution (bloodless revolution) against him. He fled to France. The daughters of William III of France and his wife Mary, son-in-law and James II came to power.

Restoration comedy or ‘Comedy of Manners’ is a strange product of the Restoration Era, and it reflects the consciousness of the era. It faithfully portrays the contemporary life and customs of the aristocracy. It is a genre of comedy that deals with the behavior and methods of men and women living under special social codes. It depicts the relationship and intrigue of men and women in Polish and sophisticated society. It is characterized by ridiculous violations of social norms and decorum such as intelligent character, jealous husband and self-obsessed dandy. In short, this comedy is called the mirror of the conduct of the society about which it is written.

In Richard Brinsley Sheridan's play, “The school for scandal”, the social folly regarding irrelevant gossips like dandyism, the sexual intrigue etc., dominate the upper society and aristocracy of England. Often considered the highlight of the "comedy of manners" dramas, Sheridan's plot strongly condemns the lack of disrespect, lax morality and the curse of the inactive rich, who spend time in constant turmoil for a higher position and advantage among them, destroying the good name of their peers.

Each character bears a clearly satirical name, for example, Lady Sneerwell’s primary occupation is spreading hateful lies and superstitions about others, in order to gain her own favor in her social set, while tarnishing the reputation of others. Therefore,we have founds two types of characters: those who rejoice as a school of scandal in society and those who do not. Through complex plot twists and verbal jokes, the characters struggle to find out the truth about each other’s characters. A secondary theme is the hidden nature of human true identity.

For instance, Sir Peter Teazle, a more established man, recently married a young, beautiful country girl. He soon came to doubt the wisdom of marrying such a young girl when Lady Teazle was delighted to see London society and all its unrealities. Lady Sneerwell decides to ruin both Teazle's marriage and their reputation with the help of her intimate friend Snake, who makes love letters to pursue Lady Sneerwell's goal. In addition, he plans to sabotage the love affair between young Maria, Sir Oliver Surface's ward, and Charles Surface, one of his nephews and potential heirs, as Lady Snowwell seeks Charles for herself. Charles' brother Joseph Surface tries to seduce Maria, but fails with the help of Maria's friend, Lady Condor. In the public eye, Joseph is the "good" brother, and Charles is the wild and "bad" brother. Sir Oliver Surface recently returned to England after 15 years, and after hearing terrible gossip about his nephews, he decided to reveal himself and secretly discover their true nature before choosing an heir.

However, Lady Teazle almost became involved in a relationship with Joseph Surface, although gossip binds her to a relationship with Charles Surface. While she is entertaining her husband Joseph Surface, the truth is revealed. Lady Teazle admits in tears to her husband that she only thought of engaging in a relationship because she thought it was expected and fashionable in high society, but in a real sense she was only interested in her husband. Eventually, Joseph is caught with Lady Teazle revealing his hypocritical, false nature to his uncle, confirming Charles' future as his successor. Rounded by Sir Oliver, and reunited with Maria and Charles when Sir Oliver is convinced of his good or at least possible redeemable character.

Through this comedy with people hiding behind the scenes to avoid identification, and hyperbolic situations with the use of clever language and conversation, Sheridan holds a mirror to his contemporary society, showing their flaws through their fateful laughter. Popular since its first production, Sheridan’s play has retained its relevance as a symbol of comedic social satire.

Thus, we see that the play is a remarkable comedy of manners, which represents the contemporary social environment, in a great way. People of the Restoration Era did not attach much importance to moral principles. Under the influence of emotion, they fell in love with many people without any consideration for their marriage vows.

*****

👉 The King of the Golden River - John Ruskin's portrayal of Nature

👉 Significance of the title of Moll Flanders