* Satire of Gossip and Backbiting: The entire play revolves around the machinations of Lady Sneerwell and her circle, who delight in spreading malicious gossip and ruining reputations. Their clandestine meetings and whispered conversations satirize the culture of scandal and the power of unfounded rumors. The characters' obsession with appearances and their willingness to sacrifice truth for social advantage are hilariously exposed.
* Satire of Social Climbing and Artificiality: Characters like Sir Peter Teazle and Lady Teazle represent the hypocrisy of the upper class. They feign virtue while engaging in secret affairs and scandalous behavior. The play satirizes the artificiality of social rituals and the lengths people go to in order to maintain their social standing. The pursuit of wealth and status is mocked through the actions of characters like Joseph Surface, who uses false piety to gain favor and fortune.
* Satire of Sentimental Comedy: Sheridan cleverly subverts the conventions of sentimental comedy, a popular genre of the time that often featured virtuous characters facing improbable obstacles. While *The School for Scandal* has elements of sentimental comedy, it uses them ironically. The characters' professed virtues often clash sharply with their actions, exposing the hypocrisy inherent in the genre's idealized portrayals.
* Satire of Hypocrisy and Moral Pretense: Many characters, particularly Joseph Surface, present a façade of virtue and morality while secretly engaging in immoral behavior. This hypocrisy is a central target of the satire, highlighting the discrepancy between public image and private actions. The play questions the very nature of morality and its relation to social standing.
* Satire of Marriage and Family: The play satirizes the complexities and conflicts within marriage, showcasing both the superficiality and the genuine affection that can exist within marital relationships. The relationship between Sir Peter and Lady Teazle, while fraught with tension, also demonstrates a degree of underlying affection and ultimately offers a path to reconciliation.
Sheridan uses wit, irony, and exaggeration to create a satirical portrait of 18th-century society, exposing its flaws and hypocrisies with sharp humor and insightful observation. The play's enduring appeal lies in its timeless critique of human nature and the enduring power of social pressure.