A School For Scandal Meditation 12
Using Moliere as the only example of classical French Restoration style would be a disappointment to the era. While I believe Moliere is one of the key comedic writers, others like Sheridan deserve recognition as well. In "A School For Scandal", the over the top play is complete with gossip, drama, lies, seductions, and most of all, scandal. In short, all of the elements to create an outstanding performance. The play is completely atypical of French Restoration, chock full of farce, physical comedy and situational irony. With ridiculous characters like Lady Sneerwell and Lady Teazle, one cannot help but laugh hysterically at the outrageous circumstances. "A School For Scandal" does an excellent job of setting an example for other French Restoration comedies and playwrights. Before reading Sheridan, I had it in my mind that the only playwright of the restoration period was Moliere, while he was a trailblazer of that style, he was not the one and only. I am glad I was presented the opportunity to expand my horizons and try a new farcical comedy, which was thoroughly enjoyable.
1 Comments:
You hit the nail on the head with the gossip and lies and drama, etc. I agree most heartily with you – I don’t think the play would have had any impact at all without all those aspects. I found that the ridiculous names greatly added to the hilarity of the play; however full of scandal it was, it still managed to be quite funny, which is yet another reason I liked this play. I’d never heard of Sheridan before this class, and I’m very glad we got to read him because this was an excellent play.
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