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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. Whose words are used in the prologue to the play?

2. What is the purpose of a Prologue?

3. What are members of the audience for the play advised that appearances are capable of doing?

4. Where has Sir Oliver been spending his time?

5. Who intrudes upon Joseph and Maria's conversation?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does writer David Garrick state that Sheridan will attempt to do in relation to the subject matter in his Play?

2. How does Sir Peter try to convince Lady Teazle that she she should be happy?

3. What plans do Lady Sneerwell and Snake make in relation to the relationship between Charles and Maria?

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

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

6. In Act 5, Scene 1, what are the reasons behind Joseph's refusal to see "Stanley" (Sir Oliver) ?

7. How do Mr. Moses and Trip's business negotiations progress?

8. In Act 3, Scene 1, how does the incessant arguing between Sir Peter and Lady Teazle continue to occur?

9. What does Sir Oliver ask Charles concerning Charles's request for a loan in Act 3, Scene 3?

10. What was the purpose for Sheridan having included a Prologue portion in his Play?

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

One of the main themes in The School for Scandal is that appearances can be deceiving. Which characters demonstrate this theme, and how?

Essay Topic 3

In Act 1, Scene 1, it becomes obvious that the characters in Sheridan's play have names that are symbolic of the roles that they play. Reviewing the names of the characters in the play, select two characters whom you believe best exemplify the aforementioned type of correlation. Compare and contrast how the two are alike, and how they differ, which contributes to one being more precisely named than the other.

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