“Richly exploited comic situations, effervescent wit, and intricate plots” is exactly how you can describe this 1777 masterpiece by Richard Brinsley Sheridan. With a lot of verbal sparring wordplay and comic situations involved, the play is a satire written criticizing 18th Century England’s elite class, their love for “malicious gossips and character assassinations” as well as the machinations they took to to subsequently cover up.

The Prologue of the book itself states how the upper crust Londoners back in the age thrived in slandering the reputation of others, despite knowing how much a ruined reputation costs.

The names of the characters in the play are befitting their personality. Lady Sneerwell, Miss Candour, Mr Snake, Mr Backbite, Mr Premium and so on.  

This 18th Century satire by Sheridan is fun to read. Meanwhile, it also makes us realise how much of a vice unfounded rumours can be. Think on.