Summaries and Critical Commentary

Abstract

The plot of The School for Scandal consists of a number of threads skilfully woven together. The ‘school’ mentioned in the title consists of the scandalmongers: Mrs Candour, Sir Benjamin Backbite, Crabtree and Snake, who are presided over by Lady Sneerwell. For the duration of the play the young country-born wife of Sir Peter, Lady Teazle, is also an enthusiastic habituée of the club. Sir Peter, an elderly gentleman, has only recently become married and he fears for his wife’s morals and economic good sense whilst she is finding her feet in London society.