feat_summary_path: finished_summaries/gradesaver/The School for Scandal/section_2_part_1.txt
feat_book_id: The School for Scandal.act iii.scene i
feat_summary_id: act iii, scene i
feat_summary: {"name": "act iii, Scene I", "url": "https://web.archive.org/web/20180409073536/http://www.gradesaver.com/the-school-for-scandal/study-guide/summary-act-iii", "summary": "Scene I opens again on Sir Oliver, Sir Peter, and Rowley. Rowley tells them of a man named Mr. Stanley, who is a relative of Joseph and Charles through their mother. Mr. Stanley has fallen on hard times financially and Charles has tried to help him, whereas Joseph has only made promises but not actually given anything. Rowley also announces that a \"friendly Jew\" named Mr. Moses, who has been counseling Charles with his financial situation recently, is here to meet with them. Rowley says that Mr. Moses has an incentive to work with him because Charles owes him money, and he also tells them that he has information from Snake regarding the rumors Sir Peter has heard about Charles and Lady Teazle. Mr. Moses enters and meets Sir Oliver. Mr. Moses tells Sir Oliver about Charles's incredible spending habits, and how he is deeply in debt. He says that that evening he is bringing a man from the city to advance Charles money. Sir Oliver clarifies that Charles has never met this man, Mr. Premium, before, and Sir Peter schemes that Sir Oliver might go to Charles disguised as Mr. Premium to find out what Charles is really like. Sir Oliver likes this idea; he has the thought that he might also go to Joseph disguised as Mr. Stanley. The men banter about how to get Sir Oliver prepared to play the part of Mr. Premium, and then he leaves with Mr. Moses. Rowley tells Sir Peter to go get Snake so they can hear what he knows about the rumors regarding Lady Teazle and Charles. In the meantime, he sees Maria approaching and wants to talk to her. Rowley exits and Maria enters. Maria and Sir Peter talk about how he wants her to love Joseph despite her persisting love for Charles. He scolds her for never listening to him and for loving Charles, perhaps because of his flaws. Maria exits angrily and Sir Peter laments how much he fights with both his wife and his ward. Lady Teazle approaches and the couple tries to be good-natured with one another. They keep up the act for a short while, but then they fall back into fighting, even arguing about which one of them usually starts their fights. They decide that it might be better for them to separate", "analysis": "Sheridan makes many allusions in the play during characters' dialogues with one another. This both shows Sheridan's own learnedness and underscores the education and high social status of the characters that make these references. One allusion of note comes early in Act III, made by Rowley. In conversation with Sir Oliver and Sir Peter about the young Surface boys, Joseph and Charles, he says, \"as our immortal bard expresses it, -- 'a heart to pity, and a hand open as day for melting charity'\" . This quote comes from Shakespeare's Henry VI. Rowley says this to the men to support Charles's remaining moral character. However, Sir Peter quips back, both as a response to Rowley and perhaps to Shakespeare himself, that having an open hand means nothing when one has spent all he had. It is important to read this section with historical context in mind, specifically as applies to anti-Semitism and the role of Jews and Judaism in society. In Sheridan's time and before, many Jews were involved in money-lending, the Jewish faith, unlike Christianity, did not forbid this job. Nevertheless, the play presents a stereotyped character, a Jewish money-lender who is willing to be involved in deceit, and who likely was dressed and made up to comply with a stereotypical Jewish appearance. Productions since Sheridan's time, especially contemporary productions, have had to decide whether to edit out these references to Judaism entirely or perform the play as it was written but provide relevant historical context to the audience. Sheridan uses a humorous scene to show Sir Oliver's transformation into the money-lender Mr. Premium. This humor is mostly created through repetition. For example, part of the interaction with Mr. Moses as he teaches the man how to play the role of Mr. Premium is as follows: \"MOSESThen, you know, you haven't the moneys yourself, but are forcedto borrow them for him of a friend. SIR OLIVEROh! I borrow it of a friend, do I? MOSESAnd your friend is an unconscionable dog: but you can't helpthat. SIR OLIVERMy friend an unconscionable dog, is he?\" The fact that Sir Oliver is not particularly good at acting his role, along with the fact that while acting his role he gives many asides to himself or the audience, increases the humor and dramatic irony in those scenes. Of the motivations to convince Maria to marry Joseph, Sir Peter's seem the most conscionable. While Lady Sneerwell wants to see Maria with Joseph because she loves Charles, Sir Peter seems to simply want what he sees as best for the ward for whom he has recently assumed responsibility. Sir Peter and Maria discuss the role of a father, with her saying that she has respected his wishes in not corresponding with Charles, but that she cannot regard him as a father if he forces her to marry Joseph, \"compel to be miserable\" . Though Lady Teazle told Sir Peter earlier in the play that he should have adopted her, not married her, if he wanted to control her, Maria shows still another example of a strong female character who will protest the dynamics of gender and power within families."}
text: ACT III SCENE I.
  
  --At SIR PETER'S
  
       SIR PETER, SIR OLIVER, and ROWLEY
  
  SIR PETER. Well, then, we will see the Fellows first and have our wine
  afterwards.--but how is this, Master Rowley--I don't see the Jet of your
  scheme.
  
  ROWLEY. Why Sir--this Mr. Stanley whom I was speaking of, is nearly
  related to them by their mother. He was once a merchant in Dublin--but
  has been ruined by a series of undeserved misfortunes--and now lately
  coming over to solicit the assistance of his friends here--has been
  flyng [flung] into prison by some of his Creditors--where he is now with
  two helpless Boys.--
  
  SIR OLIVER. Aye and a worthy Fellow too I remember him. But what is this
  to lead to--?
  
  ROWLEY. You shall hear--He has applied by letter both to Mr. Surface and
  Charles--from the former he has received nothing but evasive promises
  of future service, while Charles has done all that his extravagance has
  left him power to do--and He is at this time endeavouring to raise a sum
  of money--part of which, in the midst of his own distresses, I know He
  intends for the service of poor Stanley.
  
  SIR OLIVER. Ah! he is my Brother's Son.
  
  SIR PETER. Well, but how is Sir Oliver personally to----
  
  ROWLEY. Why Sir I will inform Charles and his Brother that Stanley has
  obtain'd permission to apply in person to his Friends--and as they
  have neither of them ever seen him[,] let Sir Oliver assume his
  character--and he will have a fair opportunity of judging at least of
  the Benevolence of their Dispositions.
  
  SIR PETER. Pshaw! this will prove nothing--I make no doubt Charles is
  Coxcomb and thoughtless enough to give money to poor relations if he had
  it--
  
  SIR OLIVER. Then He shall never want it--. I have brought a few Rupees
  home with me Sir Peter--and I only want to be sure of bestowing them
  rightly.--
  
  ROWLEY. Then Sir believe me you will find in the youngest Brother one
  who in the midst of Folly and dissipation--has still, as our immortal
  Bard expresses it,--
  
     "a Tear for Pity and a Hand open as the day for melting Charity."
  
  SIR PETER. Pish! What signifies his having an open Hand or Purse
  either when He has nothing left to give!--but if you talk of humane
  Sentiments--Joseph is the man--Well, well, make the trial, if you
  please. But where is the fellow whom you brought for Sir Oliver to
  examine, relative to Charles's affairs?
  
  ROWLEY. Below waiting his commands, and no one can give him better
  intelligence--This, Sir Oliver, is a friendly Jew, who to do him
  justice, has done everything in his power to bring your nephew to a
  proper sense of his extravagance.
  
  SIR PETER. Pray let us have him in.
  
  ROWLEY. Desire Mr. Moses to walk upstairs.
  
       [Calls to SERVANT.]
  
  SIR PETER. But Pray why should you suppose he will speak the truth?
  
  ROWLEY. Oh, I have convinced him that he has no chance of recovering
  certain Sums advanced to Charles but through the bounty of Sir Oliver,
  who He knows is arrived; so that you may depend on his Fidelity to his
  interest. I have also another evidence in my Power, one Snake, whom I
  shall shortly produce to remove some of YOUR Prejudices[,] Sir Peter[,]
  relative to Charles and Lady Teazle.
  
  SIR PETER. I have heard too much on that subject.
  
  ROWLEY. Here comes the honest Israelite.
  
       Enter MOSES
  --This is Sir Oliver.
  
  SIR OLIVER. Sir--I understand you have lately had great dealings with my
  Nephew Charles.
  
  MOSES. Yes Sir Oliver--I have done all I could for him, but He was
  ruined before He came to me for Assistance.
  
  SIR OLIVER. That was unlucky truly--for you have had no opportunity of
  showing your Talents.
  
  MOSES. None at all--I hadn't the Pleasure of knowing his Distresses till
  he was some thousands worse than nothing, till it was impossible to add
  to them.
  
  SIR OLIVER. Unfortunate indeed! but I suppose you have done all in your
  Power for him honest Moses?
  
  MOSES. Yes he knows that--This very evening I was to have brought him a
  gentleman from the city who does not know him and will I believe advance
  some money.
  
  SIR PETER. What[!] one Charles has never had money from before?
  
  MOSES. Yes[--]Mr. Premium, of Crutched Friars.
  
  SIR PETER. Egad, Sir Oliver a Thought strikes me!--Charles you say
  does'nt know Mr. Premium?
  
  MOSES. Not at all.
  
  SIR PETER. Now then Sir Oliver you may have a better opportunity of
  satisfying yourself than by an old romancing tale of a poor Relation--go
  with my friend Moses and represent Mr. Premium and then I'll answer
  for't you'll see your Nephew in all his glory.
  
  SIR OLIVER. Egad I like this Idea better than the other, and I may visit
  Joseph afterwards as old Stanley.
  
  SIR PETER. True so you may.
  
  ROWLEY. Well this is taking Charles rather at a disadvantage, to be
  sure--however Moses--you understand Sir Peter and will be faithful----
  
  MOSES. You may depend upon me--and this is near the Time I was to have
  gone.
  
  SIR OLIVER. I'll accompany you as soon as you please, Moses----but
  hold--I have forgot one thing--how the plague shall I be able to pass
  for a Jew?
  
  MOSES. There's no need--the Principal is Christian.
  
  SIR OLIVER. Is He--I'm very sorry to hear it--but then again--an't I
  rather too smartly dressed to look like a money-Lender?
  
  SIR PETER. Not at all; 'twould not be out of character, if you went in
  your own carriage--would it, Moses!
  
  MOSES. Not in the least.
  
  SIR OLIVER. Well--but--how must I talk[?] there's certainly some cant of
  usury and mode of treating that I ought to know.
  
  SIR PETER. Oh, there's not much to learn--the great point as I take it
  is to be exorbitant enough in your Demands hey Moses?
  
  MOSES. Yes that's very great Point.
  
  SIR OLIVER. I'll answer for't I'll not be wanting in that--I'll ask him
  eight or ten per cent. on the loan--at least.
  
  MOSES. You'll be found out directly--if you ask him no more than that,
  you'll be discovered immediately.
  
  SIR OLIVER. Hey!--what the Plague!--how much then?
  
  MOSES. That depends upon the Circumstances--if he appears not very
  anxious for the supply, you should require only forty or fifty per
  cent.--but if you find him in great Distress, and want the monies very
  bad--you may ask double.
  
  SIR PETER. A good--[h]onest Trade you're learning, Sir Oliver--
  
  SIR OLIVER. Truly, I think so--and not unprofitable--
  
  MOSES. Then you know--you haven't the monies yourself, but are forced to
  borrow them for him of a Friend.
  
  SIR OLIVER. O I borrow it of a Friend do I?
  
  MOSES. And your friend is an unconscion'd Dog--but you can't help it.
  
  SIR OLIVER. My Friend's an unconscionable Dog, is he?
  
  MOSES. Yes--and He himself hasn't the monies by him--but is forced to
  sell stock--at a great loss--
  
  SIR OLIVER. He is forced to sell stock is he--at a great loss, is
  he--well that's very kind of him--
  
  SIR PETER. Efaith, Sir Oliver--Mr. Premium I mean--you'll soon be master
  of the Trade--but, Moses would have him inquire if the borrower is a
  minor--
  
  MOSES. O yes--
  
  SIR PETER. And in that case his Conscience will direct him--
  
  MOSES. To have the Bond in another Name to be sure.
  
  SIR OLIVER. Well--well I shall be perfect--
  
  SIR PETER. But hearkee wouldn't you have him also run out a little
  against the annuity Bill--that would be in character I should think--
  
  MOSES. Very much--
  
  ROWLEY. And lament that a young man now must be at years of discretion
  before He is suffered to ruin himself!
  
  MOSES. Aye, great Pity!
  
  SIR PETER. And abuse the Public for allowing merit to an act whose only
  object is to snatch misfortune and imprudence from the rapacious Relief
  of usury! and give the minor a chance of inheriting his estate without
  being undone by coming into Possession.
  
  SIR OLIVER. So--so--Moses shall give me further instructions as we go
  together.
  
  SIR PETER. You will not have much time[,] for your Nephew lives hard
  bye--
  
  SIR OLIVER. Oh Never--fear[:] my Tutor appears so able that tho' Charles
  lived in the next street it must be my own Fault if I am not a compleat
  Rogue before I turn the Corner--
  
       [Exeunt SIR OLIVER and MOSES.]
  
  SIR PETER. So--now I think Sir Oliver will be convinced--you shan't
  follow them Rowley. You are partial and would have prepared Charles for
  'tother plot.
  
  ROWLEY. No upon my word Sir Peter--
  
  SIR PETER. Well, go bring me this Snake, and I'll hear what he has to
  say presently. I see Maria, and want to speak with her.--
  
       [Exit ROWLEY.]
  I should be glad to be convinced my suspicions of Lady Teazle and
  Charles were unjust--I have never yet opened my mind on this subject to
  my Friend Joseph. . . . I am determined. I will do it--He will give me
  his opinion sincerely.--
  
       Enter MARIA
  
  So Child--has Mr. Surface returned with you--
  
  MARIA. No Sir--He was engaged.
  
  SIR PETER. Well--Maria--do you not reflect[,] the more you converse with
  that amiable young man[,] what return his Partiality for you deserves?
  
  MARIA. Indeed Sir Peter--your frequent importunity on this subject
  distresses me extremely--you compell me to Declare that I know no man
  who has ever paid me a particular Attention whom I would not prefer to
  Mr. Surface--
  
  SIR PETER. Soh! Here's Perverseness--no--no--Maria, 'tis Charles only
  whom you would prefer--'tis evident his Vices and Follies have won your
  Heart.
  
  MARIA. This is unkind Sir--You know I have obey'd you in neither seeing
  nor corresponding with him--I have heard enough to convince me that
  He is unworthy my regard--Yet I cannot think it culpable--if while my
  understanding severely condemns his Vices, my Heart suggests some Pity
  for his Distresses.
  
  SIR PETER. Well well pity him as much as you please, but give your Heart
  and Hand to a worthier object.
  
  MARIA. Never to his Brother!
  
  SIR PETER. Go--perverse and obstinate! but take care, Madam--you have
  never yet known what the authority of a Guardian is--don't compel me to
  inform you of it.--
  
  MARIA. I can only say, you shall not have just Reason--'tis true, by
  my Father's will I am for a short period bound to regard you as his
  substitute, but I must cease to think you so when you would compel me to
  be miserable.
  
       [Exit.]
  
  SIR PETER. Was ever man so crossed as I am[?] everything conspiring to
  fret me! I had not been involved in matrimony a fortnight[,] before
  her Father--a hale and hearty man, died on purpose, I believe--for the
  Pleasure of plaguing me with the care of his Daughter . . . but here
  comes my Helpmate!--She appears in great good humour----how happy I
  should be if I could teaze her into loving me tho' but a little----
  
       Enter LADY TEAZLE
  
  LADY TEAZLE. Lud! Sir Peter I hope you haven't been quarrelling with
  Maria? It isn't using me well to be ill humour'd when I am not bye--!
  
  SIR PETER. Ah! Lady Teazle you might have the Power to make me good
  humour'd at all times--
  
  LADY TEAZLE. I am sure--I wish I had--for I want you to be in a charming
  sweet temper at this moment--do be good humour'd now--and let me have
  two hundred Pounds will you?
  
  SIR PETER. Two hundred Pounds! what an't I to be in a good humour
  without paying for it--but speak to me thus--and Efaith there's nothing
  I could refuse you. You shall have it--but seal me a bond for the
  repayment.
  
  LADY TEAZLE. O no--there--my Note of Hand will do as well--
  
  SIR PETER. And you shall no longer reproach me with not giving you an
  independent settlement--I shall shortly surprise you--and you'll not
  call me ungenerous--but shall we always live thus--hey?
  
  LADY TEAZLE. If you--please--I'm sure I don't care how soon we leave off
  quarrelling provided you'll own you were tired first--
  
  SIR PETER. Well--then let our future contest be who shall be most
  obliging.
  
  LADY TEAZLE. I assure you Sir Peter Good Nature becomes you--you look
  now as you did before we were married--when you used to walk with me
  under the Elms, and tell me stories of what a Gallant you were in your
  youth--and chuck me under the chin you would--and ask me if I thought I
  could love an old Fellow who would deny me nothing--didn't you?
  
  SIR PETER. Yes--yes--and you were as kind and attentive----
  
  LADY TEAZLE. Aye so I was--and would always take your Part, when my
  acquaintance used to abuse you and turn you into ridicule--
  
  SIR PETER. Indeed!
  
  LADY TEAZLE. Aye--and when my cousin Sophy has called you a stiff
  peevish old batchelor and laugh'd at me for thinking of marrying one who
  might be my Father--I have always defended you--and said I didn't think
  you so ugly by any means, and that you'd make a very good sort of a
  husband--
  
  SIR PETER. And you prophesied right--and we shall certainly now be the
  happiest couple----
  
  LADY TEAZLE. And never differ again.
  
  SIR PETER. No never--tho' at the same time indeed--my dear Lady
  Teazle--you must watch your Temper very narrowly--for in all our little
  Quarrels--my dear--if you recollect my Love you always began first--
  
  LADY TEAZLE. I beg your Pardon--my dear Sir Peter--indeed--you always
  gave the provocation.
  
  SIR PETER. Now--see, my Love take care--contradicting isn't the way to
  keep Friends.
  
  LADY TEAZLE. Then don't you begin it my Love!
  
  SIR PETER. There now--you are going on--you don't perceive[,] my Life,
  that you are just doing the very thing my Love which you know always
  makes me angry.
  
  LADY TEAZLE. Nay--you know if you will be angry without any reason--my
  Dear----
  
  SIR PETER. There now you want to quarrel again.
  
  LADY TEAZLE. No--I am sure I don't--but if you will be so peevish----
  
  SIR PETER. There--now who begins first?
  
  LADY TEAZLE. Why you to be sure--I said nothing[--]but there's no
  bearing your Temper.
  
  SIR PETER. No--no--my dear--the fault's in your own temper.
  
  LADY TEAZLE. Aye you are just what my Cousin Sophy said you would be--
  
  SIR PETER. Your Cousin Sophy--is a forward impertinent Gipsey--
  
  LADY TEAZLE. Go you great Bear--how dare you abuse my Relations--
  
  SIR PETER. Now may all the Plagues of marriage be doubled on me, if ever
  I try to be Friends with you any more----
  
  LADY TEAZLE. So much the Better.
  
  SIR PETER. No--no Madam 'tis evident you never cared a pin for me--I was
  a madman to marry you--
  
  LADY TEAZLE. And I am sure I was a Fooll to marry you--an old dangling
  Batchelor, who was single of [at] fifty--only because He never could
  meet with any one who would have him.
  
  SIR PETER. Aye--aye--Madam--but you were pleased enough to listen to
  me--you never had such an offer before--
  
  LADY TEAZLE. No--didn't I refuse Sir Jeremy Terrier--who everybody
  said would have been a better Match--for his estate is just as good as
  yours--and he has broke his Neck since we have been married!
  
  SIR PETER. I have done with you Madam! You are an
  unfeeling--ungrateful--but there's an end of everything--I believe you
  capable of anything that's bad--Yes, Madam--I now believe the Reports
  relative to you and Charles--Madam--yes--Madam--you and Charles are--not
  without grounds----
  
  LADY TEAZLE. Take--care Sir Peter--you had better not insinuate any such
  thing! I'll not be suspected without cause I promise you----
  
  SIR PETER. Very--well--Madam--very well! a separate maintenance--as soon
  as you Please. Yes Madam or a Divorce--I'll make an example of myself
  for the Benefit of all old Batchelors--Let us separate, Madam.
  
  LADY TEAZLE. Agreed--agreed--and now--my dear Sir Peter we are of a
  mind again, we may be the happiest couple--and never differ again, you
  know--ha! ha!--Well you are going to be in a Passion I see--and I shall
  only interrupt you--so, bye! bye! hey--young Jockey try'd and countered.
  
       [Exit.]
  
  SIR PETER. Plagues and tortures! She pretends to keep her temper, can't
  I make her angry neither! O! I am the miserable fellow! But I'll not
  bear her presuming to keep her Temper--No she may break my Heart--but
  she shan't keep her Temper.
  
       [Exit.]
  
  
  
  
  
  
feat_summary_name: act iii, Scene I
target: Scene I opens again on Sir Oliver, Sir Peter, and Rowley. Rowley tells them of a man named Mr. Stanley, who is a relative of Joseph and Charles through their mother. Mr. Stanley has fallen on hard times financially and Charles has tried to help him, whereas Joseph has only made promises but not actually given anything. Rowley also announces that a "friendly Jew" named Mr. Moses, who has been counseling Charles with his financial situation recently, is here to meet with them. Rowley says that Mr. Moses has an incentive to work with him because Charles owes him money, and he also tells them that he has information from Snake regarding the rumors Sir Peter has heard about Charles and Lady Teazle. Mr. Moses enters and meets Sir Oliver. Mr. Moses tells Sir Oliver about Charles's incredible spending habits, and how he is deeply in debt. He says that that evening he is bringing a man from the city to advance Charles money. Sir Oliver clarifies that Charles has never met this man, Mr. Premium, before, and Sir Peter schemes that Sir Oliver might go to Charles disguised as Mr. Premium to find out what Charles is really like. Sir Oliver likes this idea; he has the thought that he might also go to Joseph disguised as Mr. Stanley. The men banter about how to get Sir Oliver prepared to play the part of Mr. Premium, and then he leaves with Mr. Moses. Rowley tells Sir Peter to go get Snake so they can hear what he knows about the rumors regarding Lady Teazle and Charles. In the meantime, he sees Maria approaching and wants to talk to her. Rowley exits and Maria enters. Maria and Sir Peter talk about how he wants her to love Joseph despite her persisting love for Charles. He scolds her for never listening to him and for loving Charles, perhaps because of his flaws. Maria exits angrily and Sir Peter laments how much he fights with both his wife and his ward. Lady Teazle approaches and the couple tries to be good-natured with one another. They keep up the act for a short while, but then they fall back into fighting, even arguing about which one of them usually starts their fights. They decide that it might be better for them to separate
feat_summary_analysis: Sheridan makes many allusions in the play during characters' dialogues with one another. This both shows Sheridan's own learnedness and underscores the education and high social status of the characters that make these references. One allusion of note comes early in Act III, made by Rowley. In conversation with Sir Oliver and Sir Peter about the young Surface boys, Joseph and Charles, he says, "as our immortal bard expresses it, -- 'a heart to pity, and a hand open as day for melting charity'" . This quote comes from Shakespeare's Henry VI. Rowley says this to the men to support Charles's remaining moral character. However, Sir Peter quips back, both as a response to Rowley and perhaps to Shakespeare himself, that having an open hand means nothing when one has spent all he had. It is important to read this section with historical context in mind, specifically as applies to anti-Semitism and the role of Jews and Judaism in society. In Sheridan's time and before, many Jews were involved in money-lending, the Jewish faith, unlike Christianity, did not forbid this job. Nevertheless, the play presents a stereotyped character, a Jewish money-lender who is willing to be involved in deceit, and who likely was dressed and made up to comply with a stereotypical Jewish appearance. Productions since Sheridan's time, especially contemporary productions, have had to decide whether to edit out these references to Judaism entirely or perform the play as it was written but provide relevant historical context to the audience. Sheridan uses a humorous scene to show Sir Oliver's transformation into the money-lender Mr. Premium. This humor is mostly created through repetition. For example, part of the interaction with Mr. Moses as he teaches the man how to play the role of Mr. Premium is as follows: "MOSESThen, you know, you haven't the moneys yourself, but are forcedto borrow them for him of a friend. SIR OLIVEROh! I borrow it of a friend, do I? MOSESAnd your friend is an unconscionable dog: but you can't helpthat. SIR OLIVERMy friend an unconscionable dog, is he?" The fact that Sir Oliver is not particularly good at acting his role, along with the fact that while acting his role he gives many asides to himself or the audience, increases the humor and dramatic irony in those scenes. Of the motivations to convince Maria to marry Joseph, Sir Peter's seem the most conscionable. While Lady Sneerwell wants to see Maria with Joseph because she loves Charles, Sir Peter seems to simply want what he sees as best for the ward for whom he has recently assumed responsibility. Sir Peter and Maria discuss the role of a father, with her saying that she has respected his wishes in not corresponding with Charles, but that she cannot regard him as a father if he forces her to marry Joseph, "compel to be miserable" . Though Lady Teazle told Sir Peter earlier in the play that he should have adopted her, not married her, if he wanted to control her, Maria shows still another example of a strong female character who will protest the dynamics of gender and power within families.