This paper shall analyse Richard Brinsley Sheridan`s play “The School for Scandal”. This drama was first performed in 1776 in London’s Drury Lane Theatre, and was a cultural part of the colonization process in India.
The aim of the first chapter is to provide some background information about Sheridan and his time, and also serves to explain the role which the concept of the sentimental comedy played during the time it was first performed in London. The main focus here, however, is to explore the differences as well as the comparable elements with other comedy genres.
The second chapter deals with the production of “The School for Scandal” which was first performed in Calcutta in 1777. Here it seem appropriate to analise the motives behind the exportation of British culture into the colony and to find out more about the commercial as well as the cultural aspects.
An important source of information in reference to this production is the Folger manuscript; a handwritten copy of the play complete with stage directions, which had been used at the New Playhouse in Calcutta. It is necessary to mention here that this Folger manuscript “recovered” by Mita Choudhury, whose essay about the production of “The School for Scandal” is the main source for the second part of this paper. The aim of this chapter however, is not to summarise her work, but rather to approach her argumentation critically.
The last part of the paper deals with the question whether or not there is a connection between the play and the process of colonialism in Calcutta in terms of the production itself and its content. It also examines the part which colonialism plays within the drama, with regards to its moral and financial aspects.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Introduction
- "The School for Scandal"- a sentimental comedy?
- "The School for Scandal" in Calcutta
- The Production
- The Importance of "The School for Scandal"
- Conclusion
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This paper analyzes Richard Brinsley Sheridan's "The School for Scandal," examining its performance in a colonial context, specifically in Calcutta. The study explores the play's relationship to sentimental comedy, its production in India, and its reflection of colonial dynamics.
- The relationship between "The School for Scandal" and the genre of sentimental comedy.
- The cultural and commercial aspects of exporting British theatre to India.
- The portrayal of colonialism within the play's moral and financial aspects.
- A critical examination of existing scholarship on the play's Calcutta production.
- The connection between the play and the colonial process in Calcutta.
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
Introduction: This paper sets the stage for an analysis of Sheridan's "The School for Scandal," highlighting its 1776 London premiere and its subsequent performance in Calcutta in 1777 as a significant part of the British colonization of India. The introduction outlines the paper's structure, focusing on the play's relationship to sentimental comedy, its Calcutta production, and its relevance to colonial themes. It mentions the use of the Folger manuscript as a primary source for understanding the Calcutta production and clarifies the paper's intention not merely to summarize existing work but to offer a critical perspective.
"The School for Scandal"- a sentimental comedy?: This chapter delves into Sheridan's life and the context of his play's creation. It examines the play within the framework of sentimental comedy, a movement that counteracted the prevailing emphasis on rationality. Sheridan’s work, while influenced by sentimentalism, subverts its conventions, incorporating elements from Restoration comedy like wit and portraying moral awakenings in characters. The chapter analyzes character names, examining how they evoke associations with sentimental ideals, and explores how Sheridan blends sentimental and Restoration elements. The contrasting characters of Charles and Joseph Surface highlight Sheridan's critique of false sentimentality. The analysis of characters like Sir Peter and Lady Teazle illustrates how Sheridan uses familiar Restoration archetypes while giving them a moral development absent in earlier works. Ultimately, the chapter posits that Sheridan doesn't dismiss sentiment but critiques its superficial and hypocritical manifestations.
"The School for Scandal" in Calcutta: This chapter focuses on the 1777 Calcutta production of "The School for Scandal," using the Folger manuscript as a key source. It explores the motivations behind exporting British culture to the colony, examining both cultural and commercial factors. The chapter critically analyzes existing scholarship on this production, primarily Mita Choudhury's work, but aims to contribute a unique and critical perspective beyond simple summarization. The exploration extends to the broader implications of the play's performance in a colonial setting.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
Richard Brinsley Sheridan, The School for Scandal, Sentimental Comedy, Restoration Comedy, Colonialism, India, Calcutta, Theatre, 18th Century Drama, Cultural Export, Folger Manuscript, Morality, Hypocrisy.
Frequently Asked Questions: Analysis of Richard Brinsley Sheridan's "The School for Scandal" in a Colonial Context
What is the main focus of this paper?
This paper analyzes Richard Brinsley Sheridan's "The School for Scandal," specifically focusing on its performance in Calcutta in 1777. It examines the play's relationship to sentimental comedy, its production in India, and its reflection of colonial dynamics. The study uses the Folger manuscript as a primary source for understanding the Calcutta production.
What are the key themes explored in the paper?
Key themes include the relationship between "The School for Scandal" and sentimental comedy, the cultural and commercial aspects of exporting British theatre to India, the portrayal of colonialism within the play's moral and financial aspects, and the connection between the play and the colonial process in Calcutta. The paper also critically examines existing scholarship on the play's Calcutta production.
What are the chapter summaries?
The Introduction sets the context, outlining the paper's structure and methodology. The chapter "The School for Scandal - a sentimental comedy?" delves into Sheridan's life and the play's genre, exploring its blend of sentimental and Restoration comedy elements. The chapter "The School for Scandal in Calcutta" focuses on the 1777 Calcutta production, using the Folger manuscript as a primary source, and analyzes the cultural and commercial aspects of exporting British theatre to India within the colonial context. The paper concludes with a summary of findings.
What is the significance of the Calcutta production of "The School for Scandal"?
The Calcutta production of 1777 is significant because it represents the export of British culture to India during the colonial period. The paper examines the motivations behind this export, both cultural and commercial, and analyzes the play's performance within the specific colonial setting of Calcutta. The analysis uses the Folger manuscript as a key primary source.
How does the paper engage with existing scholarship?
The paper engages critically with existing scholarship, particularly the work of Mita Choudhury, but aims to offer a unique and critical perspective beyond simple summarization of previous research. It uses the available scholarship to inform and contextualize its own analysis.
What is the relationship between "The School for Scandal" and sentimental comedy?
The paper argues that while Sheridan's play is influenced by sentimental comedy, it subverts its conventions. It blends sentimental elements with wit and satire characteristic of Restoration comedy. Sheridan critiques the superficial and hypocritical manifestations of sentimentality by contrasting characters like Charles and Joseph Surface.
What primary sources are used in the paper?
The Folger manuscript is a key primary source used in the paper, particularly in analyzing the 1777 Calcutta production of "The School for Scandal."
What are the keywords associated with this paper?
Richard Brinsley Sheridan, The School for Scandal, Sentimental Comedy, Restoration Comedy, Colonialism, India, Calcutta, Theatre, 18th Century Drama, Cultural Export, Folger Manuscript, Morality, Hypocrisy.
- Quote paper
- Miriam Dunja Berraissoul (Author), 2004, R.B. Sheridan's "A School For Scandal": a play in a colonial context, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/114766