Sheridan emphasizes the virtues of leading a life of simplicity and honesty.
Scandal: Sheridan attacks the pernicious vice of scandal mongering through the characters of Sir Peter and Sir Oliver: "A character dead at every word" and "murdering character to kill time." ActII sc.2 and 3.
Fashion: Sheridan criticizes the practice of slavishly following the fashion of the day. Lady Teazle: "Would you have me be out of the fashion." ActII sc1. Lady Teazle symbolizes how good old country values of frugality, simplicity and honesty are corrupted by the vices of London life: She takes on Joseph as her lover for fashion's sake.
Hypocrisy: Joseph Surface is the personification of hypocrisy. Even as He pretends to be a very virtuous person and is always uttering noble sentiments,he covets his guardian's wife. Sheridan means to tell us not judge a person on the 'surface' merely by his words.
Friendship: Sheridan underscores the value of true friendship through the character of Sir Oliver Surface. It is Sir Oliver who judges the character of Charles and Joseph and opens the eyes of Sir Peter Teazle to the virtuous qualities of Charles and the villainy of Joseph.
Forgiveness and Reconciliation: Sheridan emphasizes the virtues of forgiveness and reconciliation. Lady Teazle finally realizes her mistake and asks her husband's forgiveness and is pardoned by him and reconciled to him. Sir Peter is also finally reconciled to Charles.
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