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

2. Which of the following is Sir Peter Teazle willing to do?

3. What is the benefit of looking beneath the surface, according to the speaker of "A Portrait"?

4. How do people's reactions to the subject of the play affect the subject itself?

5. What is Lady Teazle wanting to buy?

Short Essay Questions

1. What happens when Sir Peter tries to soften Lady Teazle's heart in Act 3, Scene 1?

2. 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?

3. In Act 4, Scene 2, how does Sir Oliver steadfastly defend his nephew, Charles' reputation?

4. What is the story that is revealed in relation to Sir Peter's estrangement from Charles Surface?

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

6. How does Lady Sneerwell play a part in the argument between the Teazles coming to an end?

7. What does Rowley tell Sir Oliver about Charles and Joseph?

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

9. Why are Sir Peter and Lady Teazle arguing at the beginning of Act 2, Scene 1?

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

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 2

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 3

"The School for Scandal and Other Plays": Does the play's title imply that members of audiences who have attend a presentation of Sheridan's play have, through the years, been actually attending a "School for Scandal" rather than the presentation of a play? Support your position with dialogue, text, or paraphrase from Sheridan's work.

(see the answer keys)

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