Wit, Humour And Intrigue In Oliver Goldsmith’s She Stoops To Conquer

Abstract

She Stoops to Conquer is a remarkable comedy by Oliver Goldsmith, first performed in London in 1773. It is one of the few plays from the 18th century to have retained its appeal and is still regularly performed. The play has been adapted into a film several times, including in 1914 and 1923. Initially the play was titled Mistakes of a Night and the events within the play take place in one long night. In 1778, John O’Keeffe wrote a loose sequel, Tony Lumpkin in Town. The play is notable for being the origin of the common English
phrase, "Ask me no questions and I'll tell you no lies." (Appearing as 'fibs' in the play). The play centres around noble Kate Hardcastle and her betrothed, Young Marlow, after Kate’s father arranges for their marriage. Marlow, who tends to get nervous around women of noble stature, finds himself the centre of an outrageous scheme after Kate disguises herself as a servant to trick him into wooing her. It is a splendid comedy of wit, humour and intrigue. In the play, we find plots, designs, contrivances, and even conspiracies of one character or a group of characters against the others.