The Rivals | Essays and Criticism

  • The Construction of Ethos as a Central Theme

    In this essay, Hamilton examines the construction of ethos as a central theme of the play and as a key issue in eighteenth-century British society.

  • Absolute Sense in Sheridan’s The Rivals

    In the following essay, Parker examines Sheridan’s practice of ‘‘‘absolute sense,’ common sense tempered by mirth and softened by good nature,’’ and it’s place within eighteenth-century theater.