48 pages • 1 hour read
Richard Brinsley SheridanThe School for Scandal
Fiction | Play | Adult | Published in 1777A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Act V-EpilogueChapter Summaries & Analyses
Act V, Scene 1 Summary
Joseph is frustrated by the undoing of his plans. A servant announces Rowley and Stanley’s arrival. Joseph impatiently tells the servant to let them up, but he avoids meeting Rowley and Stanley directly. Oliver, dressed as Stanley, tells Rowley to announce his arrival as Oliver once he leaves as Stanley. Joseph meets Stanley graciously, and Stanley asks for money. Joseph claims Oliver never sent Joseph money, and what money Joseph had he lent to Charles.
Oliver is repulsed by Joseph’s deceit. Joseph makes promises of sending money when he can. Joseph and Stanley repeat pleasantries of being each other’s servants before parting ways. Oliver is ashamed of Joseph, while Joseph praises himself for deceiving Stanley.
Rowley announces Oliver’s arrival. Joseph pretends to be excited. Rowley says Charles will be coming soon as well, and Joseph laments his bad luck.
Act V, Scene 2 Summary
Mrs. Candour, Benjamin, Crabtree, and Sneerwell arrive at Peter’s home. They debate about the fight between Joseph, Charles, Peter, and Lady Teazle. Candour and Crabtree insist that Charles was sleeping with Lady Teazle, while Benjamin and Sneerwell think Joseph was her gallant (i.e., lover). Crabtree insists Peter and Charles fought with pistols, while Benjamin says Peter and Joseph fought with swords.
