Summarizing Act II, scene ii would be a tedious and dull
business if it weren't for the relief given by Sir Peter and Maria. This scene is staged
at Lady Sneerwell's. The symbolism of the names Sheridan bestows on his characters is of
the obvious sort, so you can tell instantly what sort of person Lady Sneerwell is: she
sneers at other people and does it very well.
The
conversation in her drawing room is of the sneering kind in which everyone they can
think of is insulted and mocked. The formulation of their remarks is usually to say
something in the defense of a person followed by the "witty" insult. Here is a fair
example where Miss Swallow is defended then lampooned in the same
sentence.
LADY SNEERWELL. Positively you shall
not be so very severe. Miss Sallow is a Relation of mine by marriage, and, as for her
Person great allowance is to be made—for, let me tell you a woman labours under many
disadvantages who tries to pass for a girl at
six-and-thirty.
The
first half of the scene is this kind of witty attack against other members of the
speaker's social group. Sir Peter comes in eventually to join Lady Teazle, his wife, and
reprimands them mildly pointing out that ruining a reputation is at least as serious an
offence as poaching game from manorial lands.
SIR PETER. 'Fore heaven! Madam, if they
were to consider the Sporting with Reputation of as much importance as poaching on
manors— and pass an Act for the Preservation of Fame—there are many would thank them for
the Bill.
This
scene is designed to reveal the inner qualities of some of the principal characters,
including Surface and Maria. To that end, we learn that Maria doesn't take enjoyment in
slandering others and doesn't have any romantic interest in Surface. We see he has
gotten into a difficulty by trying to make himself agreeable to Lady Teazle so she will
support his marriage offer to Maria, who is love with his brother Charles.
SURFACE. A curious Dilemma truly ... I
wanted at first only to ingratiate myself with Lady Teazle that she might not be my
enemy with Maria—and [have] become her serious Lover, so that I stand a chance of
Committing a Crime I never meditated—and probably of losing Maria by the
Pursuit!
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