First performed in 1773, “She Stoops to Conquer” is the timeless comedic drama by Anglo-Irish author Oliver Goldsmith. The play depicts the story of Charles Marlow, a wealthy young man who is promised in marriage to a woman, Kate Hardcastle, that he has never met. While he is eager to meet her and is travelling to her home with his friend, George Hastings, Charles is quite shy in the company of women of wealth. He prefers those of a lower class and whenever in the company of such women he transforms into a bold and lecherous rogue. Learning of Charles’ shyness before his arrival at her home, Kate pretends to be a serving-maid in order to win his affections. Kate succeeds at her ruse and soon Charles falls in love with her and is ready to elope until the sudden appearance of his father reveals Kate’s artifice. Soon all is resolved and the young lovers are soon married. Charles’ friend George also finds love in the Hardcastle home in this comedic gem. Full of bawdy dialogue and hilarious scenes, “She Stoops to Conquer” is a charming and light-hearted play that has entertained audiences for over two hundred years. This edition includes a biographical afterword.
