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She Stoops to Conquer is a classic comedy play written by Oliver Goldsmith in 1773. Set in the English countryside, the play follows the humorous misadventures of a young man named Charles Marlow, who struggles with shyness and awkwardness around upper-class women but becomes more at ease with those of a lower social standing.
The central plot revolves around a misunderstanding orchestrated by Kate Hardcastle, a clever and spirited young woman. To win Marlow’s affections and overcome his aversion to women of higher social status, Kate pretends to be a barmaid in an inn, where Marlow and his friend Hastings are directed to stay. Unaware of Kate’s true identity, Marlow treats her with familiarity and charm, believing her to be a commoner.
The play is filled with comedic situations, mistaken identities and humorous misunderstandings. The characters, including Tony Lumpkin, a mischievous prankster, and Mrs. Hardcastle, a domineering and materialistic mother, add to the comedic chaos.
Goldsmith skilfully uses irony, satire and wordplay to highlight the idiosyncrasies of social class distinctions and human foibles. Through the play’s farcical elements, he critiques the pretensions and artificiality of the upper classes while championing the genuine and down-to-earth qualities of the lower classes.
She Stoops to Conquer is a celebration of wit, love and triumph of genuine affection over social barriers. The play explores themes of mistaken identity, societal expectations and the complexities of romantic relationships. It offers a light-hearted and entertaining portrayal of human nature, revealing the foibles and follies of both the characters and society at large.
The play’s enduring popularity lies in its timeless humour and relatable themes. Its comic brilliance, memorable characters and clever twists in the plot continue to captivate audiences. She Stoops to Conquer remains a testament to Goldsmith’s skill as a playwright, showcasing his ability to craft a comedic masterpiece that entertains, amuses and offers insightful commentary on human behaviour and social conventions.
She Stoops to Conquer is a classic comedy play written by Oliver Goldsmith in 1773. Set in the English countryside, the play follows the humorous misadventures of a young man named Charles Marlow, who struggles with shyness and awkwardness around upper-class women but becomes more at ease with those of a lower social standing.
The central plot revolves around a misunderstanding orchestrated by Kate Hardcastle, a clever and spirited young woman. To win Marlow’s affections and overcome his aversion to women of higher social status, Kate pretends to be a barmaid in an inn, where Marlow and his friend Hastings are directed to stay. Unaware of Kate’s true identity, Marlow treats her with familiarity and charm, believing her to be a commoner.
The play is filled with comedic situations, mistaken identities and humorous misunderstandings. The characters, including Tony Lumpkin, a mischievous prankster, and Mrs. Hardcastle, a domineering and materialistic mother, add to the comedic chaos.
Goldsmith skilfully uses irony, satire and wordplay to highlight the idiosyncrasies of social class distinctions and human foibles. Through the play’s farcical elements, he critiques the pretensions and artificiality of the upper classes while championing the genuine and down-to-earth qualities of the lower classes.
She Stoops to Conquer is a celebration of wit, love and triumph of genuine affection over social barriers. The play explores themes of mistaken identity, societal expectations and the complexities of romantic relationships. It offers a light-hearted and entertaining portrayal of human nature, revealing the foibles and follies of both the characters and society at large.
The play’s enduring popularity lies in its timeless humour and relatable themes. Its comic brilliance, memorable characters and clever twists in the plot continue to captivate audiences. She Stoops to Conquer remains a testament to Goldsmith’s skill as a playwright, showcasing his ability to craft a comedic masterpiece that entertains, amuses and offers insightful commentary on human behaviour and social conventions.
Oliver Goldsmith was born on November 10, 1728, in County Longford, Ireland. He was a renowned Anglo-Irish writer and poet of the 18th century. Known for his versatility and wit, Goldsmith has proven his expertise in various literary forms, including plays, poetry, essays and novels.
Goldsmith had a childhood that was marked by financial struggles and a challenging education. However, he showed remarkable intellectual prowess and eventually studied at Trinity College, Dublin, where he displayed his talent for writing and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree.
In 1756, Goldsmith relocated to London, seeking literary success. There, he became part of a contemporary literary circle that included some notable figures such as Samuel Johnson, Joshua Reynolds and Edmund Burke. Goldsmith’s charm, humour and storytelling abilities made him a popular figure in social circles and earned him the admiration and respect of his peers.
Goldsmith’s most celebrated work is the play She Stoops to Conquer (1773). It is a comedy of manners that satirizes the foibles of the upper class. The play’s witty dialogue, humorous situations and endearing characters made it an instant hit and established Goldsmith’s credibility as a skilled playwright.
In addition to his plays, Goldsmith is also remembered for his novel The Vicar of Wakefield (1766). The novel tells the story of the Primrose family and highlights the theme of morality, virtue and resilience in the face of adversity. It remains a popular work for its warmth, engaging narrative and carefully and meaningfully etched characters.
Goldsmith’s poetry, namely The Deserted Village (1770) and An Elegy on the Death of a Mad Dog (1766), reflects his keen observation of society and his compassion for the plight of the common man. His poetry is characterized by its lyrical quality, gentle satire and empathy for human struggles.
Goldsmith’s writing reveals his deep understanding of human nature, a sympathy for the underprivileged and a wit that both entertained and enlightened his readers. His works tackled social issues, celebrated the beauty of the natural world and showcased his skill in capturing the nuances of human emotions.
Oliver Goldsmith’s contributions to English literature have left a lasting impact. His ability to blend humour and sentiment with generous doses of social critique continues to resonate with modern readers. Goldsmith’s works stand as enduring classics, testament to his remarkable talent and his ability to capture the essence of the human experience. A rich legacy left for progenies to tackle social upheavals.
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16. She Stoops to Conquer by Oliver Goldsmith
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She Stoops to Conquer
by
Oliver Goldsmith
Newgen Knowledge Works Offices
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First published in 1768
This book has been inspired from the original version of She Stoops To Conquer first published in 1768, available in the public domain. Due care and diligence have been taken while bringing out this edition; neither the author nor the publishers of the book hold any responsibility for any mistake that may have inadvertently crept in. The publishers shall not be liable for any direct, consequential, or incidental damages arising out of the use of the book.
© Trove Books Edition, 2023
Paperback ISBN: 978-81-19303-50-2
eBook ISBN: 978-81-19303-51-9
WebPDF: 978-81-19303-47-2
Published by
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She Stoops To Conquer; Or, The Mistakes Of A Night.
A Comedy.
To Samuel Johnson, LL.D.
Dear Sir,—By inscribing this slight performance to you, I do not mean so much to compliment you as myself. It may do me some honour to inform the public, that I have lived many years in intimacy with you. It may serve the interests of mankind also to inform them, that the greatest wit may be found in a character, without impairing the most unaffected piety.
I have, particularly, reason to thank you for your partiality to this performance. The undertaking a comedy not merely sentimental was very dangerous; and Mr. Colman, who saw this piece in its various stages, always thought it so. However, I ventured to trust it to the public; and, though it was necessarily delayed till late in the season, I have every reason to be grateful.
I am, dear Sir, your most sincere friend and admirer,
OLIVER GOLDSMITH.
