She Stoops to Conquer

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“She Stoops to Conquer” is a Comedy of Intrigues

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“She Stoops to Conquer” is a comedy of intrigues. Discuss. 

A comedy of intrigue is an entertaining play full of tricks, plans, and secrets. “She Stoops to Conquer” (1773) is an outstanding comedy of intrigue. It is full of jokes, plans, and tricks. The author, Oliver Goldsmith (1729-1774), shows that the characters plan to fool others. Sometimes, they do it for love. Sometimes, they do it for fun. These tricks create problems and funny scenes. At the end, all problems are solved. Let us see this.

Tony’s First Trick: Tony plays the first big trick. He meets Marlow and Hastings at the alehouse. They are lost and looking for Mr. Hardcastle’s home. Tony tells them a lie. He says it is not a house, but an inn. They believe him and go to the house. There, they act like rude guests. They treat Mr. Hardcastle like an innkeeper. This mistake starts all the fun. It is also a revenge. Ton

y wants to fool his stepfather. This trick creates many comic scenes.

Kate’s Funny Plan: Kate plays a smart trick too. Marlow is shy with rich girls. But he talks freely with poor girls. Kate wants to test his love. So, she acts like a poor barmaid. Marlow talks to her without fear. He flirts and wants to kiss her. At a point, she says, 

“O! sir, I must not tell my age. They say women and music should never be dated.”

Kate wins his heart with her plan. She does not tell him the truth. She waits for the right time. Her trick helps to make love grow. It also makes the story more fun and sweet.

Tony Helps Constance: Tony helps Constance and Hastings. They want to marry in secret. But Mrs. Hardcastle wants Constance to marry Tony. So, Tony makes a new plan. He steals Constance’s jewels and gives them to Hastings. When Hastings asks how he got the jewels, he says,

“Ask me no questions, and I’ll tell you no fibs,” 

The lovers plan to run away. But the plan fails. The jewels go back to Mrs. Hardcastle. Then she tries to send Constance far away. Tony again helps. He drives her in circles near the house. She thinks they are lost. This is a very funny scene.

Mrs. Hardcastle’s Trick: Mrs. Hardcastle also plays a trick. She tells Tony he is still a child. She wants to control his life. She wants him to marry Constance. But Tony is already grown. When he learns the truth, he becomes free. He says he will not marry Constance. Now Constance is free too. She can marry Hastings and keep her jewels. This trick brings a happy ending. The truth wins in the end.

In conclusion, all the tricks in the play are light and funny. They help to create fun and love. Every character plays some trick. Some tricks are for fun. Some are for love. Some are for revenge. But none of them are cruel. All these funny plans make the story move. They bring joy and surprise. At the end, all is clear. The lovers unite, and the play ends with smiles. That is why “She Stoops to Conquer” is truly a comedy of intrigues.

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