The_Rivals_by_Sheridan_with_Summary.pptx

b nmn,h,

1. The Rivals by R.B. Sheridan A Comedy of Manners (1775)

2. Introduction Written by Richard Brinsley Sheridan in 1775. A comedy of manners that satirizes love, class, and pretension. Set in Bath, England.

3. About R.B. Sheridan • Irish playwright, poet, and politician • Best known for comedies like The Rivals and The School for Scandal • Member of Parliament and theatre manager

4. Historical Context • Written during the 18th century Age of Enlightenment • Reflects social dynamics of class, marriage, and reputation • Bath as a fashionable social hub

5. Main Characters • Lydia Languish – young heiress obsessed with romance novels • Captain Jack Absolute – suitor disguising himself as Ensign Beverley • Mrs. Malaprop – Lydia’s aunt, famous for humorous misuse of words • Sir Anthony Absolute – Jack’s father • Bob Acres, Faulkland, and Lucy

6. Plot Overview • Lydia wishes to marry for love, not wealth. • Jack Absolute disguises as poor Beverley to win her. • Misunderstandings and comic confusions arise. • Ends with reconciliations and planned marriages.

7. Themes • Love and Marriage • Social Class and Wealth • Satire of Pretension and Hypocrisy • Parental Authority vs. Young Desire

8. Humor and Satire • Comedy of manners through witty dialogue • Mrs. Malaprop’s misuse of words (‘malapropisms’) • Satire of romance novels and exaggerated courtship

9. Mrs. Malaprop • Comic figure misusing sophisticated words • Represents pretension and lack of true knowledge • Her name gave rise to the term 'malapropism'

10. Role of Lydia Languish • A romantic young woman addicted to novels • Represents youthful rebellion against arranged marriages • Learns balance between love and practicality

11. Captain Jack Absolute • Central male character • Uses disguise to test Lydia’s love • Embodies wit, charm, and the tension between love and duty

12. Social Commentary • Critique of class obsession and social pretensions • Examines the conflict between wealth and genuine affection • Reflects 18th-century society in Bath

13. Legacy and Influence • One of Sheridan’s most famous comedies • Popularized the term 'malapropism' • Still performed as a classic of English drama

14. Conclusion The Rivals is a witty comedy that explores love, class, and society. Through humor and satire, Sheridan critiques human folly. Its themes remain relevant in understanding literature and society.

15. Full Summary of The Rivals The Rivals is a comedy set in Bath, England, revolving around mistaken identities, romantic entanglements, and social satire. Lydia Languish, a wealthy heiress, wants to marry for love rather than money. Captain Jack Absolute disguises himself as the poor Ensign Beverley to win her affection. Meanwhile, her aunt, Mrs. Malaprop, tries to arrange a wealthy match for her. Other characters, including Bob Acres, Faulkland, and Lucy, add to the comic confusion. After misunderstandings, duels, and witty exchanges, the truth is revealed, and reconciliations follow. In the end, Lydia accepts Jack, and the play concludes with harmony, satirizing social class, romance, and human folly.