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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. Which of the following is a widely known fact that cannot be covered up?

2. What does the speaker of "A Portrait" say about appearances?

3. Why does the speaker in the Prologue say that Sheridan is acting foolishly?

4. Who moves off to speak to each other privately at the beginning of Act 2, Scene 2?

5. In one word, what is the subject of the play?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Mr. Moses point out in Act 4, Scene 2?

2. What is the purpose of a Portrait portion of a play?

3. What allusion does Garrick make in the Prologue, and why?

4. Does Charles' stand-off in refusing to sell Sir Oliver's portrait to "Mr. Premium" , serve to adjust Sir Oliver's opinion about Charles in a positive way?

5. In Act 3, Scene 1, how does the ongoing argument between Maria and Sir Peter become apparent in relation to Maria's desire to marry Charles?

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

7. What happens between Maria and Joseph in Act 2, Scene 2?

8. What happens while Sir Oliver and Mr. Moses are forced to wait?

9. In Act 4, Scene 3, what are the reasons that Lady Teazle states that have placed her at odds with her husband, Sir Peter?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Step back in time to the setting of the play in the late 1700's, when modern-day entertainment outlets such as radio, television, and tabloids were not available. Focus on the gossip sessions that Lady Sneerwell holds at her home, along with those who attended and participate in those sessions. Write an essay comparing and contrasting whether the participants in her gossip sessions were participating in the gossip gatherings for the sake of entertainment, or because they simply had less than a good heart? Support your position with text, dialogue, or paraphrase from the play.

Essay Topic 2

In the early part of Sheridan's play, Lady Teazle is fighting with her husband, Sir Peter, declaring that she deserves "everything that any woman has and more". At the end of the play, she appears to have gained "everything that any woman has and more". Write an essay focusing on your response to the following question: Is the "more" that she refers to a tangible or intangible object? Support your position with dialogue, text, and/or paraphrase from the play.

Essay Topic 3

Investigate The School for Scandal as a comedy of manners. How does it adhere to and differ from the typical comedy of manners? What changes could be made to mark it more clearly as a comedy of manners? What changes could be made to prevent critics from classifying the play as a comedy of manners?

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