Theme

Gossip is perhaps the most central theme of The School for Scandal. Gossip, or rumors, may be true or may be false; in general, however, gossip is spread by both unofficial channels (word-of-mouth) and official channels (newspapers). Since word-of-mouth spreads faster, gossip is mostly spread in the play through that channel, but it is clear from discussions between characters that the spreading of rumors through newspapers has a particular way of spreading information far and making it seem credible. The main rumor spread in the play is that Charles and Lady Teazle are having an affair (spread purposefully by Lady Sneerwell, Joseph, and Snake), but other rumors arise and circulate as well, such as Charles's debt, Joseph and Lady Teazle's affair, and Sir Peter being wounded in a duel.