Question

How many acts are there in "The School for Scandal"?

• A. 3
• B. 4
• C. 5
• D. 6

Answer 1

Answer:

C. 5

• The School for Scandal by Richard Brinsley Sheridan has five acts. This structure follows the traditional five-act format common in 18th-century Restoration comedy and sentimental comedy. Here's how the play unfolds across its five acts:

1. Act I – Introduces the characters and themes, including gossip, deception, and the contrast between appearance and reality.

   The audience learns about the malicious gossips led by Lady Sneerwell and the contrast between the two Surface brothers.

2. Act II – Develops the plot as deception and intrigue intensify. Joseph Surface continues his hypocritical schemes, while Charles Surface’s character is further revealed.

3. Act III – Features the famous "screen scene," one of the most iconic moments in English theatre. Sir Peter Teazle hides behind a screen, leading to a dramatic revelation.

4. Act IV – The complications peak, and characters begin to be unmasked, particularly Joseph Surface, who is exposed as a schemer.

5. Act V – Resolves the conflicts, restores order, and delivers justice, with virtue rewarded and hypocrisy punished.

• The five-act structure allows the play to balance comedy, satire, and moral lessons effectively