Issue of hypocrisy between the younger and older generation in The Rivals

Issue of Hypocrisy between the older and younger generations
in The Rivals
Whilst the issue of hypocrisy is rife in the Sheridan’s comedy and invariable evokes laughter even amongst the most serious of literary critics, one cannot help but feel that the inconsistency between the words and actions of both the older and younger generations of Sheridan’s characters, are more a tool of satire, rather than mere instruments to purely create humour and therefore, to generate laughter.

In his obviously satirical play on the social conventions of Georgian England, Sheridan derides the hypocrisy, as well as highlights the futility of authoritarian parental control and domination. He also decries the farcical display of insincere submission of members of the younger generation in their foolish attempts at manipulation of their elders as a tool of deception for personal gain.

Most evidently, Sheridan exposes the hypocrisy of the older generatin in the light of their expectation ...