The rivals

A brilliant comic masterpiece revolving around false identities, romantic entanglements, and parental disapproval satirizes the pretentiousness and sentimentality of 18th-century society. Sheridan's gift for turning situations on their heads is at the foundation of this farcicial comedy of manners, featuring such memorable characters as the lovely Lydia Languish, her suitor, Capt. Jack Absolute; and Lydia's aunt-Mrs. Malaprop, cleverly revolves around false identities, romantic entanglements, and parental disapproval. Satirizing the pretentiousness and sentimentality of 18th-century society, this volume will entertain and delight students of English drama and theater devotees alike.