Question

What is the primary motivation of self-interested gossips?

• A. To ruin others for their own benefit
• B. To seek attention and be included in social circles
• C. To warn others about potential dangers
• D. To spread love and positivity in their community

Answer 1

Answer:

A. To ruin others for their own benefit

• The self-interested gossips in The School for Scandal, namely Joseph Surface and Lady Sneerwell, are motivated by a desire to ruin others for their own benefit.

• Unlike the recreational gossips, who spread rumors for amusement and to showcase their wit, the self-interested gossips deliberately use gossip as a tool to manipulate others and achieve personal gain.

• Joseph Surface and Lady Sneerwell conspire to break up Charles Surface and Maria so that:

  • Joseph can marry Maria for her wealth.

  • Lady Sneerwell can marry Charles, whom she desires.

• To achieve this, they spread false rumors—such as making Sir Peter Teazle suspect Charles is pursuing Lady Teazle and making Maria believe Charles is in love with Lady Sneerwell.

• However, their schemes fail and are exposed, leaving them humiliated and ridiculed. While they do not face severe consequences, their manipulative actions ultimately backfire, showing that those who gossip out of cruelty often become the victims of their own deceit.