Act 5, Scene 3 Summary

Joseph and Lady Sneerwell are discussing their ability to save the situation with themselves and Maria and Charles, but there does not seem to be any solution that would cure the situation quickly. Joseph hopes there might still be a way out of their troubles, but Lady Sneerwell does not share his optimistic appraisal of the situation and she leaves in order to sulk about this recent disaster.

At this point, Sir Oliver arrives, but Joseph is still under the impression that he is Stanley and he wants his uncle to leave. Sir Oliver has no desire to correct his wayward nephew, so he pretends he is there to speak with Sir Oliver and hopefully get some money from him. Joseph will have no part of it and he attempts to physically push Sir Oliver out of his house.

While Joseph...