what conflicts arises in the act 2 scene 2 of the school for scandal by RB Sheridan?
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The scene reverts to Lady Sneerwell's house, where the usual circle has gathered: Joseph Surface, Sir Benjamin Backbite, Crabtree, and Mrs. Candour. They are soon joined by Lady Teazle.
The company of gossips begins their session with a rendition by Sir Benjamin Backbite of his latest "epigram." This is a concise, witty saying that is memorable by virtue of its rhetorical force. Touted as usual by his uncle Crabtree, Backbite recites a lackluster, cliché-ridden quatrain about a socialite lady's ponies in Hyde Park. Joseph Surface fulsomely praises the poem as worthy of the ancient Greek god Phoebus (Apollo), while Mrs. Candour eagerly says she must have a copy.
Lady Teazle enters accompanied by Maria. Mrs. Candour raises the topic of women's appearances. The whole group—not least of all Lady Teazle—chimes in with envious and critical comments about ladies' efforts to beautify their faces with cosmetics to conceal aging. She calls an acquaintance named Mrs. Pursy a "fat dowager." Mrs. Candour and Crabtree discuss how the widow Ochre attempts to whiten her face with chalk to hide her age, and the obsession with a superficial face.
Sir Peter Teazle now enters. It is clear that he disapproves of the group's criticism and gossiping. However, he voices most of his disparaging comments using the stage convention of the "aside." His remarks are intended to be heard by the audience but not registered by other characters on stage. He says, "A character dead at every word, I suppose." Just as before, the gossipmongers continue their racy critiques. This time Sir Peter voices his dislike of scandal to the group. Lady Teazle adds that he has such a dislike of scandal he would make it declared illegal by Parliament—a suggestion Sir Peter heartily endorses. Lady Sneerwell attempts, in vain, to chide Sir Peter on his disapproval. She implies he is unfair to deprive the scandal spreaders of their "privileges." Crabtree joins in, contributing the opinion that there is some truth to every scandalous story. He says, "There never was a scandalous tale without some foundation."
Sir Peter abruptly leaves, saying, "I leave my character behind me." After Sir Peter's departure, Joseph Surface attempts to press his courtship of Maria. The young woman makes it clear she is more sympathetic to his brother Charles, whatever the latter's reputation. The two young people are interrupted by Lady Teazle, who keenly apprehends Joseph's intentions. After Maria exits, Lady Teazle and Joseph engage in a titillating discussion that leaves Joseph wondering what he is getting into.