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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Sir Peter ask Rowley not to tell his friend about?

2. Lady Sneerwell would like to be courted by whom of the following?

3. Rather than listen to others' stories, what does Sir Oliver want to do?

4. What does Joseph want Lady Teazle to do?

5. What does the playwright attempt to do with his writing of "The School for Scandal and Other Plays"?

Short Essay Questions

1. What insight does Sir Peter confide in Rowley about his troubled life with Lady Teazle?

2. What ends the argument between Sir Peter and Lady Teazle in Act 2, Scene 1?

3. Why does Maria enter the scene in Act 1, Scene 1?

4. How does Lady Teazle counter Sir Peter's suggestion in relation to that which in his opinion, should render her contentment in her life with him?

5. How does Rowley console Sir Peter's concerns about his ward, Maria's desire to marry Charles Surface?

6. In Act 2, Scene 2, what do Joseph Surface and Maria do while the gossip gathering is in full swing?

7. How is the gossiping group's misinformation concerning the confrontation at Joseph's house cleared up by Sir Peter?

8. What is Sir Peter's side of the argument in Act 2, Scene 1?

9. How does Lady Teazle include Sir Peter in her future plans?

10. Describe Charles and Joseph's conversation in Act 4, Scene 3.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

It can be said that refraining from gossip and scandal is a virtue. Examine the fact that Sir Oliver's refusal to listen to others' assessments about his nephew, Charles' character, results in his ability to determine which of his nephews is more worthy of the bequeathing of his estate. Write an essay detailing how Sheridan, through the character of Sir Oliver is able to infer the message that refraining from scandal and gossip has its rewards. Also, explain whether Sheridan's subtle message is likely to reach and teach members of the audience.

Essay Topic 2

Sir Oliver observes that any man of worth will have enemies, and since Joseph does not have any enemies, he cannot fully trust Joseph. Write an essay on whether Sir Oliver's observation can be considered to be basing a man's worth based solely on appearance. Compare and contrast Sir Oliver's method of character assessment, with that of Sheridan's, which is based on looking underneath the surface. In comparing Sir Oliver's method of character assessment with that of Sheridan's, can both methods be considered to be alike, or to be in contrast to one another? If so, how? If not, why not? Support your position with dialogue, text, and/or paraphrase from the play.

Essay Topic 3

Examine the symbolism of Sheridan's use of naming characters to allude to their personalities.

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