Illustration of Kate Hardcastle in high society attire on the left, and dressed as a barmaid on the right

She Stoops to Conquer

by Oliver Goldsmith

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Nowadays, marrying for love is a common expectation, but this wasn't always the case. In the 18th century, for instance, parents—typically fathers—chose husbands for their daughters. Although young women could refuse their parents' choice and were rarely forced to marry someone they found completely undesirable, they still seldom had the autonomy to select their own spouses.

What does Goldsmith convey about this arrangement? Does his play imply that the right individuals end up marrying their suitable partners? How would you feel about such an arrangement?

Further exploration could delve into the 18th century "marriage market" and how women responded to it. The novels of Frances Burney or Jane Austen provide relevant comparisons. More broadly, since much of She Stoops to Conquer centers on parent-child relationships, you might investigate how parents truly related to their children during this period.

One obstacle that keeps Constance and Hastings apart is money. If she marries without Hardcastle's consent, she forfeits her inheritance of jewels. How significant should money be in deciding whom and when to marry? Should couples be practical, or can love truly suffice?

You might research 18th century property law, which transferred all control of a woman's money to her husband after marriage. Until the Married Women's Property Act of 1867, women could not own anything, including custody of their children. Women also couldn't vote, hold office, or attend universities. You might examine the status of women during the 18th century. In many respects, the conditions for working- and lower-class men were not much better. Your research could compare and contrast their various conditions.

Even today, jokes about the city slicker and the country bumpkin persist. This common comedic theme emerged as society became urbanized, beginning with classical writers like Juvenal, who satirized the inhabitants of ancient Rome. Goldsmith's play relies on this kind of cultural clash between London residents like Marlow and Hastings, and country gentry like Mr. and Mrs. Hardcastle. How does this theme of cultural clash function in the play? What might it reveal about love, society, and lifestyles?

Authors are not alone in exploring the significant changes that England underwent during the 18th century. Historians, social scientists, art historians, and anthropologists all strive to uncover the intricate web of related social changes. Choose and research an aspect of this fascinating social upheaval. You might compare representations of English life in the paintings of Constable, Gainsborough, and Reynolds with the vastly different illustrations of Hogarth.

Constance's inheritance comes from an uncle who worked for the East India Company. During the 18th century, individuals who returned wealthy from the colonies in the East or West Indies were called "nabobs." Nabobs are prominent figures in 18th century literature. You might investigate the historical background of these individuals and then read a play or novel in which they play significant roles.

The humor in She Stoops to Conquer stems from the tension between appearance and reality, contrasting how things seem with how they truly are. This is evident in Marlow's mistaking Hardcastle for an innkeeper and Kate for a barmaid. In essence, the plot revolves around Tony's deceit, yet genuine love prevails in the end. What is Goldsmith conveying about the significance of honesty in society? How vital is it, and in what situations is it crucial to be completely honest? When do the ends justify the means? You might compare Goldsmith's play with a similar comedy by Oscar Wilde, The Importance of Being Earnest, which explores the theme of earnestness (i.e., honesty), among other topics.

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