Scarborough and the Critic   By: Richard Brinsley Sheridan (1751-1816)

Scarborough and the Critic by Richard Brinsley Sheridan is a delightful and satirical play that cleverly combines two different worlds: the seaside resort of Scarborough and the bustling literary scene of London. With sharp wit and biting humor, Sheridan provides a hilarious commentary on the superficiality of society and the hypocrisy of the elite.

Set in the fictional town of Scarborough, the play follows the misadventures of Sir Fretful Plagiary, a thin-skinned playwright seeking praise from the critics, and his loyal but conniving servant, Puff. Plagiary's desperation to impress the renowned literary critic, Mr. Dangle, leads them both on a comical journey of absurdity and deception.

Sheridan skillfully portrays the theater world's obsession with flattery and positive reviews, highlighting the lack of genuine critique in favor of sycophancy. The interactions between Plagiary and Dangle, which oscillate between false praise and thinly veiled scathing remarks, provide some of the most hilarious and memorable moments of the play.

Furthermore, Scarborough and the Critic offers a satirical critique of the emerging trend of societal pretension and the desire to emulate the behaviors and mannerisms of the English elite. Sheridan's characters, with their pompous airs and absurd affectations, symbolize the shallow, self-absorbed individuals prevalent in society during that era.

One particularly brilliant aspect of the play is how Sheridan blurs the lines between reality and fiction, weaving a self-reflexive narrative that comments on the art of playwriting itself. Through Puff, the play-within-a-play device is utilized to both entertain and mock the conventions of theater, emphasizing the importance of creativity and originality in a sea of mediocrity.

While the play may require some knowledge of the time period and the literary scene of the late 18th century, the timeless themes and biting satire ensure its continued relevance. Sheridan masterfully exposes the foibles and follies of human nature, making Scarborough and the Critic an enduring classic in the theatrical canon.

With its clever wordplay, memorable characters, and unparalleled wit, Scarborough and the Critic is a must-read for anyone looking to be entertained and enlightened. Richard Brinsley Sheridan's skillful craftsmanship and sharp critique of society make this play a true gem of British drama.

First Page:

What various transformations we remark, From east Whitechapel to the west Hyde Park! Men, women, children, houses, signs, and fashions, State, stage, trade, taste, the humours and the passions; The Exchange, 'Change Alley, wheresoe'er you're ranging, Court, city, country, all are changed or changing The streets, some time ago, were paved with stones, Which, aided by a hackney coach, half broke your bones. The purest lovers then indulged in bliss; They ran great hazard if they stole a kiss... Continue reading book >>