School for Scandal, The

A sophisticated comedy of manners written in the second half of the 18th century. The School for Scandal ridicules the gossiping classes of London society in its tale of two brothers, one reckless but good-hearted, the other outwardly respectable but inwardly vicious. The play’s sharp attack on hypocrisy and greed, combined with an intricate plot, witty language and brilliantly funny situations, makes it one of the most enduring of English comedies.