Smarr Publishers
English
for
Classical Studies
A Student’s Companion to
She Stoops to
Conquer
by Robert W. Watson
Copyright © Watson Educational Services, Inc., 2006
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She Stoops to Conquer / 1
O
Introduction to She Stoops to Conquer
LIVER GOLDSMITH began writing only after he failed
as a medical doctor. It was the poem, The Traveler, that
gave Goldsmith a measure of fame. Soon, the failedphysician-turned-writer was seen in the company of Samuel
Johnson, Edmund Burke, and Joshua Reynolds, thus becoming a
member of Johnson’s “Literary Club.” Goldsmith was a great
admirer of Dr. Johnson, the compiler of the English dictionary.
Therefore, it is not surprising to find She Stoops to Conquer
dedicated to Johnson.
When speaking of Oliver Goldsmith, Horace Walpole (The Castle
of Otranto) called this writer of the 18th-century an “inspired
idiot.” Even his closest associate, Samuel Johnson, said of
Goldsmith: “He seldom comes where he is not more ignorant than any one else.” Goldsmith
was a vain man, and his quirks were numerous. Yet, surprisingly, Goldsmith has the rare
distinction of having a novel (The Vicar of Wakefield), a play (She Stoops to Conquer), and a
poem (The Deserted Village) to achieve permanence by becoming classics. However, it was his
four-volume History of England (1771) that provided him with most of his income, which
seemed to vanish quickly.
Regarding She Stoops to Conquer, Samuel Johnson remarked that the play produced the “great
end of comedy—making an audience merry.” Unlike his novel, The Vicar of Wakefield, which
did not enjoy much popularity until the nineteenth century, Goldsmith’s play was immensely
popular during his lifetime. The play is funny and amusing. However, like most drama, the
audience has to suspend its disbelief for a spell. In She Stoops to Conquer, the reader may find
it difficult to believe that a normal household can be mistaken for a common inn. The entire
misunderstanding could have been resolved had Mr. Hardcastle introduced himself to the young
man, Mr. Marlow. However, it is this misunderstanding and wrong perception upon which the
play revolves.
Regarding his literary philosophy, Goldsmith is not truly a neoclassicist, even though his most
celebrated poem, The Deserted Village, is written in heroic couplets, a distinguishing mark of
neoclassical poetry. However, his themes and tone make Goldsmith a harbinger of the
Romantics. Many of the British writers in the late eighteenth century began to write themselves
into their works. As Alexander Pope would write about “man” in the abstract, a Romantic like
William Wordsworth would write about a specific man—himself. Even though Goldsmith may
have been an “inspired idiot,” he nevertheless was generous, sympathetic, and good natured,
which explains why his works reflect these most amiable of human virtues. Indeed, after
Goldsmith’s death, Joshua Reynolds remarked about this great man, “Wherever he was, there
was no yawning.”
ROBERT W. WATSON
2 / She Stoops to Conquer
She Stoops to Conquer
Lesson One
1.1 Vocabulary
sententious adj.
timidity n.
tête-à-tête n.
quagmire n.
1.2 Vocabulary Exercise
1. Trying to keep the surprise party a secret from my mother was a ________________; we
had to have the party at our house, and we had a difficult time trying to get Mom to go
shopping, so that the guests could arrive unnoticed.
2. I can understand a person being shy, but my brother’s ______________ is beyond reason;
whenever we have strangers for company, Richard stays in his room.
3. The worst part of my job is to listen to the ____________ lectures from the boss, who
seems to find a moral in every mistake that his employees make.
4. Whenever my mother told me that she wanted to have a “_____________” with me, I knew
that I was in serious trouble.
1.3 Reading Assignment: She Stoops to Conquer, Act I
1.4 Recall Questions
1. In the Prologue, why is Mr. Woodward crying?
2. In Act I, Mrs. Hardcastle is chiding her husband about what?
3. According to Mrs. Hardcastle, what is not required for spending £1500 a year?
4. When asked to stay home, Tony tells his mother that he will be joining his friends at what
establishment?
5. What agreement has Hardcastle made with his daughter Kate regarding her clothing?
6. When Kate hears the good qualities of her proposed husband, what word does she say has
“frozen” her to death?
7. According to the rumor that Miss Neville heard, Mr. Marlow is not very bashful with
whom?
8. Who tells Mr. Marlow and Mrs. Hastings that they are lost?
She Stoops to Conquer / 3
9. Marlow and Hastings go to the Hardcastle’s home under what assumption.
1.5 Critical Thinking

Mr. Hardcastle is fond of “old things.” Discuss the danger to a society that is quick to cast
aside the old in order to experience new ideas.

Tony is clearly not an evil person, but a mischievous one. Should Christians engage in
“practical jokes”? Why or why not?
1.6 Bonus Thoughts

Arranged marriages: Such marriages were not uncommon among the aristocracy,
particularly between princes and princesses of different nations with the goal of forming
mutual alliances. An arranged marriage is a contract between families, not just between
individuals. The parents investigate the family background of each other before initiating
talks between the elders in the families. Central issues include social class, financial wellbeing, reputation, and medical fitness. If the investigation proves to be satisfactory, then a
mutual friend is assigned the task of arranging a visit between the parents. The other parents
consider carefully the other family before this visit, primarily whether the other family is
compatible. On the other hand, a love match includes dating and a courtship period that
precedes any proposal to marry, usually offered by the man. The man and the woman will
invite the other to their homes and introduce themselves to the parents, which is opposite of
the arranged marriage, where the introduction has the parents introducing the girl to the
man. Obviously, in case of love marriage, affection begins at the time of their meetings,
while in the case of arranged marriages, love and affection commence after marriage.
Arranged marriages are not common today. Nevertheless, in India and in some Islamic
countries, arranged marriages are still practiced, and boys and girls continue to depend on
their parents to find suitable partners. However, in the urbanized parts of India, it has now
become more popular to allow the prospective bride and groom to be with each other more
frequently. Indeed, just fifteen years ago, the couple usually spoke for the first time to each
other on the day of the wedding.

Urban verses Rural: The Southern Agrarian and Fugitive poet, Donald Davidson,
explained internal and international conflict in terms of a cultural war between industrialism
(urban) and agrarianism (rural) societies. Goldsmith was aware of this conflict where the
interests of rural folks were not in common with city dwellers. We find this awareness in
She Stoops to Conquer, for an example, with Kate’s wanting to enjoy the London social life,
while living on a working agricultural estate, and Mr. Hardcastle’s negative view of
London. Kate and her father were able to compromise with the tension between city and
country life, but there is no real reconciliation with the two life styles. Urban areas are
parasites that drain the rural populations of food and workers. While rural societies can
develop a culture with traditions due to their stability, urban populations cannot sustain a
culture, but must borrow one from other sources. The problems of encroaching urban sprawl
with its dehumanization and of disappearing small farms with a loss of tradition and
heritage remain serious problems confronting every industrialized country.
4 / She Stoops to Conquer
She Stoops to Conquer
Lesson Two
2.1 Vocabulary
warren n.
bagatelle n.
proxy n.
dissembler n.
2.2 Vocabulary Exercise
1. Suzie wished that she could meet a young man, who could talk about something other than
the usual ____________ like sports or cars.
2. Barbara was very surprised and shocked to learn that her so-called best friend was actually a
______________, who was the source of all of the malicious rumors about her.
3. When Sam drove into Brooklyn, he became easily lost, because the city was a ___________
of small side streets and narrow alleys.
4. Since I was unable to attend the meeting, I permitted John to be my ____________ by
voting in my place.
2.3 Reading Assignment: She Stoops to Conquer, Act II
2.4 Recall Questions
1. While giving instructions to his men, Hardcastle allows only one exception to laugh at any
of his stories. Which story is the exception?
2. Since none of the men are able to remember their new duties, what do they decide to do?
3. Hastings states that the difference in inns is that the finer ones the traveler pays for the
luxuries while what happens at the bad ones?
4. What was the true reason for Marlow to come to meet the Hardcastles?
5. What is the name of the home of Hardcastle?
6. Why did Hardcastle decide to allow the government to “mend itself”?
7. Regarding supper, how does Marlow show his “imprudence” toward Hardcastle?
8. Hastings and Constance have been plotting to elope to France. However, what event must
take place before Constance will leave with Hastings?
She Stoops to Conquer / 5
9. Why does Hastings decide not to tell Marlow about the mistake?
10. What is ironic about Marlow’s line, “This pretty smooth dialogue has done for me”?
11. What does Mrs. Hardcastle do regarding Kate and Tony that causes Tony to become very
angry with her?
12. What does Hastings enlist Tony to do at the end of the act?
2.5 Critical Thinking

Discuss whether Hardcastle was expecting too much from his men, who were trained and
competent with other duties. Was the folly due to Hardcastle’s attempt to impress Sir
Marlow’s son? Can you cite some modern examples of people trying to be something which
they are not?

What is the purpose of marriage? Discuss whether dating, courtship, or arrangement by
parents offers the best way to fulfill this purpose.

This act has several examples of flattery. What does the Bible teach about flattery? Explain
how the use of flattery is very often used to get one’s way when the truth will not.
2.6 Bonus Thoughts

Militia: In this act, Diggory remarks that he learned to hold his hands stiffly “upon drill for
the militia.” A militia is a military unit of ordinary citizens, who are not professional
soldiers. The importance of the militia is expressed in the Second Amendment of the U.S.
Constitution: “A well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the
right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed.” The American War for
Independence commenced when the British government threatened the confiscation of
weapons and gun power belonging to the colonists. The citizens in New York City had their
weapons taken away from them, because they were required to register them with the
British authorities beforehand. The minutemen met the British troops and engaged them.
What eventually defeated the greatest power on earth at that time was simple farmers with
muskets. Because human government has the tendency to gravitate towards totalitarianism,
the Southern republics insisted that a Bill of Rights be attached to the U.S. Constitution
before they would ratify the document. The principles of liberty dictate that free men are
responsible to ensure their own freedom and safety, and cannot rely on the armed forces or
police officers to do it for them. Only slaves rely on someone else to care and to protect
them. The current movement to disarm the citizens of the United States though gun control
and through the negative press concerning militias is the desperate attempt to permit the
central government to have uncontrolled power over individual citizens.
6 / She Stoops to Conquer
She Stoops to Conquer
Lesson Three
3.1 Vocabulary
diffidence n.
sullen adj.
trumpery n.
vex n.
3.2 Vocabulary Exercise
1. Whenever Carl has to give a speech in front of the class, his _________________ is
apparent, because his voice has a higher pitch and his hands make uncontrolled gestures.
2. Mr. Henry figured that if he were to __________ his boss often enough, he would get a
raise in pay; unfortunately, the annoyance led to his being fired.
3. I do not know why Sarah insists on wearing so much costume jewelry and other _________,
because everyone notices only the gaudy pieces and ignores her natural beauty.
4. The loss of our dog, Aristotle, a pet we enjoyed for ten years, caused a __________ mood in
our family for quite awhile.
3.3 Reading Assignment: She Stoops to Conquer, Act III
3.4 Recall Questions
1. While both Hardcastle and Kate disagree as to the character of Marlow, what do they both
agree about?
2. How does Tony get the jewels that belong to Constance?
3. To whom does Tony give the jewels?
4. According to Mrs. Hardcastle, when is the time for women to wear jewels?
5. Regarding the jewelry, what does Mrs. Hardcastle tell Constance about their disposition
(with the prompting of Tony)?
6. When Kate walks by Marlow, whom does he think she is?
7. Even though Kate had spoken with Marlow, why is he unable to recognize her?
8. According to Kate, what two things should never be dated?
She Stoops to Conquer / 7
9. By the end of the act, how much time does Kate have to convince her father that Marlow is
a modest gentleman, or Hardcastle will ask him to leave?
3.5 Critical Thinking

Discuss Marlow’s reaction to Kate as a barmaid. Is Goldsmith satirizing men’s attitudes
regarding different “classes” of women? Should “ladies” be treated differently than
“common women”?
8 / She Stoops to Conquer
She Stoops to Conquer
Lesson Four
4.1 Vocabulary
banter v.
assiduity n.
incontinent adj.
exasperate v.
4.2 Vocabulary Exercise
1. The timely completion of the museum was credited to Mr. White, whose _____________
ensured that schedules were met and that donations were solicited.
2. Jim and David seem to keep everyone laughing; they simply begin to ___________ and
their keen wits make the good-natured teasing seem effortless.
3. Unfortunately, my cutting the grass ________________ my allergies by causing my eyes to
water, followed by constant sneezing.
4. When he realized that his executive officer refused to obey his order, the captain burst into
an ______________ rage and suffered a severe stroke.
4.3 Reading Assignment: She Stoops to Conquer, Act IV
4.4 Recall Questions
1. What intelligence does Hastings receive from Constance that could upset his plans for
elopement?
2. After Hastings gives Marlow the jewels, what does Marlow do with them?
3. What complaint does Hardcastle give to Marlow after Hastings leaves?
4. At what point does Marlow begin to think that there is a mistake?
5. Who reveals to Marlow that the “inn” is actually the home of Mr. Hardcastle?
6. What favor does Constance ask of Tony, who refuses to do what she asks?
7. How does Mrs. Hardcastle learn about the planned elopement of Constance with Hastings?
8. After the discovery of the elopement, where does Mrs. Hardcastle intend to take Constance?
She Stoops to Conquer / 9
4.5 Critical Thinking

Discuss the casket of jewelry as a symbol. How is the symbol different to Constance,
Hastings, and Mrs. Hardcastle.

Explain how Hastings’s errors in this act threaten his happiness. Could Hastings have
avoided these mistakes? How?
10 / She Stoops to Conquer
She Stoops to Conquer
Lesson Five
5.1 Vocabulary
peremptory adj.
mortification n.
intrepidity n.
malignity n.
5.2 Vocabulary Exercise
1. No historian has disputed the _________________ of the typical Confederate soldier, who
in almost every battle was outnumbered 3-to-1.
2. To commit citizens to an unnecessary war in order that corporate leaders can make more
money is a _______________ towards human beings that defies understanding, except that
it is satanic.
3. After winning three years in a row, I was filled with ______________ when I lost the
spelling bee by misspelling existence.
4. King James decided to end the debate between the factions of the High Church men and
Puritans by issuing a __________ decree, which settled the dispute over the official English
Bible.
5.3 Reading Assignment: She Stoops to Conquer, Act V
5.4 Recall Questions
1. What was Hardcastle and Sir Charles laughing about for “this half hour”?
2. According to Marlow when speaking to his father and Hardcastle, how many interviews has
he had with Kate?
3. What is the plan that Kate offers to Sir Charles and her father to prove that Marlow has a
passionate affection for her?
4. What did Tony do in order for the ladies to return back to Liberty Hill?
5. When Tony lies to his mother that he thought they were in “Crack-skull Common,” why
does Mrs. Hardcastle become concerned?
6. Who happens to be taking an evening walk, causing Mrs. Hardcastle to hide?
7. According to Constance, one’s fortune may be despised, but it always produces what?
8. To whom does Constance propose to ask for help in order to recover her jewelry?
She Stoops to Conquer / 11
9. What fact was unknown to Tony that prevented his refusing Miss Neville in marriage?
5.5 Critical Thinking

Hastings tells Constance that Mrs. Hardcastle is a woman of malice. Is this true? Is Mrs.
Hardcastle malicious with her desire to have Constance marry Tony? Why or why not?

Explain how the emotion fear is revealed in this act.

Is Samuel Johnson correct to call She Stoops to Conquer a comedy? Does this play fit the
profile of a satire, and is laughter used as a weapon, and not as an end itself? If the play is a
satire, what attitude is Goldsmith trying to change in society?
5.6 Bonus Thoughts

Highway Robbery: Travelers were very fearful of the highwayman. The laws of England
during the eighteenth century required the death penalty for simple theft. Thus, the fact that
one was guilty of stealing had the same penalty as armed robbery and murder. The coaches
were easy prey for the highwayman, who often left his victims penniless and dead, leaving
no witnesses. Therefore, Mrs. Hardcastle does have much to be concerned about when she
was apprehended by a “highwayman.” Nevertheless, even scoundrels like highwaymen can
be romanticized as in the case of Alfred Noyes’s poem, “The Highwayman.”
12 / She Stoops to Conquer
Glossary for She Stoops to Conquer
assiduity (²s”¹-d›“¹-t¶) n. Persistent application or diligence; unflagging effort
bagatelle (b²g”…-tμl“) n. An unimportant or insignificant thing; a trifle
banter (b²n“t…r) v. To speak to in a playful or teasing way
diffidence (d¹f“¹-d…ns) n. The quality of being timid or shy
dissembler (d¹-sμm“bl…r) n. One who conceals one's real nature, motives, or feelings behind a
false appearance
exasperate (¹g-z²s“p…-r³t”) v. To make very angry or impatient; annoy greatly; to increase the
gravity or intensity of
incontinent (¹n-k¼n“t…-n…nt) adj. Not restrained; uncontrolled
intrepidity (¹-tr…-p¹d“¹-t¶) n. Resolute courage; fearlessness; brave)
malignity (m…-l¹g“n¹-t¶) n. Intense ill will or hatred; great malice; a quality of being highly
dangerous or injurious; deadliness
mortification (môr”t…-f¹-k³“sh…n) n. A feeling of shame, humiliation, or wounded pride
peremptory (p…-rμmp“t…-r¶) adj. Putting an end to all debate or action; not allowing
contradiction or refusal
proxy (pr¼k“s¶) n. A person authorized to act for another; an agent or a substitute
quagmire (kw²g“mºr”) n. Land with a soft, muddy surface; a difficult or precarious situation; a
predicament
sententious (sμn-tμn“sh…s) adj. Abounding in aphorisms and pompous moralizing
sullen (s¾l“…n) adj. Showing a brooding ill humor or silent resentment; sulky; gloomy; sluggish;
slow
tête-à-tête (t³t”…-t³t“) n. A private conversation between two persons
timidity (t¹-m¹d“¹-t¶) n. The lack self-confidence; shyness; fearfulness and hesitancy
trumpery (tr¾m“p…-r¶) n. Showy but worthless finery; bric-a-brac; nonsense; deception, trickery,
or fraud
vex (vμks) v. To annoy, as with petty complaints; to bother; to cause perplexity in; to puzzle
warren (wôr“…n) n. A colony of rabbits; an overcrowded living area; a mazelike place where one
may easily become lost
She Stoops to Conquer
Vocabulary Quiz
Instructions: Match the word with its definition.
A. sententious
D. quagmire
G. proxy
J. sullen
M. banter
P. exasperate
S. intrepidity
B. timidity
E. warren
H. dissembler
K. trumpery
N. assiduity
Q. peremptory
T. malignity
C. tete-a-tete
F. bagatelle
I. diffidence
L. vex
O. incontinent
R. mortification
1. _____ sulky; brooding ill humor or silent resentment
2. _____ a colony of rabbits; an overcrowded living area; a mazelike place
3. _____ resolute courage; fearlessness; brave
4. _____ to annoy greatly; to increase the gravity or intensity of
5. _____ a private conversation between two persons
6. _____ persistent application or diligence; unflagging effort
7. _____ the quality of being timid or shy
8. _____ intense ill will; great malice; highly dangerous or injurious
9. _____ showy but worthless finery; nonsense; trickery or fraud
10. _____ a feeling of shame, humiliation, or wounded pride
11. _____ an unimportant or insignificant thing
12. _____ to annoy; to bother; to puzzle
13. _____ abounding in aphorisms and pompous moralizing
14. _____ not allowing contradiction or refusal
15. _____ an agent or a substitute
16. _____ not restrained; uncontrolled
17. _____ lack of self-confidence; shyness
18. _____ to speak to in a playful or teasing way
19. _____ one who conceals one’s real nature, motives, or feelings
20. _____ land with a soft, muddy surface; a difficult situation
Answer Keys to She Stoops to Conquer
Vocabulary Exercises, Lesson 1
1. quadmire
2. timidity
3. sententious
4. tête-à-tête
Lesson 1
1. Mr. Woodward reports that the Comic muse was dying, and if she dies, then he will be out
of a “job.”
2. Mrs. Hardcastle wants to know why they never take any trips like their neighbors.
3. In order to spend a lot of money, it does not require much learning.
4. Tony will be going to the Three Pigeons, a public house (pub or alehouse).
5. Kate is permitted to dress finely in the mornings, but she must wear simpler clothing in the
afternoons and evenings.
6. The word is reserve.
7. Mr. Marlow is not bashful with women who are not considered ladies.
8. Tony tells Marlow and Hastings that they are lost.
9. The two men are under the assumption that the Hardcastles’s home is a nearby inn, where
they can spend the night before resuming their journey.
Vocabulary Exercises, Lesson 2
1. bagatelle
2. dissembler
3. warren
4. proxy
Lesson 2
1. The story is about the Old Grouse in the gun-room.
2. The men decide that they may as well go back to their normal occupations on the farm.
3. The traveler is fleeced and starved at the bad inns.
4. Marlow wanted an excuse to allow Hastings to see his sweetheart, Miss Neville.
5. The name of the home is Liberty Hall.
6. Hardcastle learned that even though he became more angry with the government, the
government did not get any better.
7. Marlow wants to see the menu (the fare) and criticizes what was offered.
8. Constance must come into possession of her jewels.
9. Hastings knew that Marlow would become very reserved if he learned the truth.
10. In truth, there was no real dialogue between Marlow and Kate, since Kate prompted the
questions and offered the answers.
11. Mrs. Hardcastle forces Kate and Tony to stand back-to-back in order to compare their
heights.
12. Hastings gets Tony’s assistance to help him elope with Constance.
1
Vocabulary Exercises, Lesson 3
1. diffidence
2. vex
3. trumpery
4. sullen
Lesson 3
1. Hardcastle and Kate both agree that she should not marry Marlow.
2. Tony got the jewels by “rule of thumb” (he stole them).
3. Tony gives the jewels to Hastings.
4. Jewelry should be worn when there is as need for repairs, or in other words, when a woman
is older and needs adornment in order to be attractive.
5. The jewels have been lost.
6. Marlow thinks Kate is the barmaid.
7. Marlow never looked Kate in the face when he spoke with her for the first time.
8. The two things that should not be dated are women and music.
9. Kate has one hour.
Vocabulary Exercises, Lesson 4
1. assiduity
2. banter
3. exasperates
4. incontinent
Lesson 4
1. Hastings learns that Sir Marlow, who knows him, is coming to Liberty Hall.
2. Marlow gives the jewels to Mrs. Hardcastle for safekeeping.
3. Hardcastle complains that Marlow’s servants are drinking too much.
4. Marlow begins to think that there is a mistake when Hardcastle orders him from his house
and reveals that Marlow’s father has written him.
5. Kate reveals to Marlow that he is in the Hardcastles’ home.
6. Constance asks Tony to steal the jewels again.
7. Mrs. Hardcastle reads the note that was delivered to Tony from Hastings.
8. Mrs. Hardcastle intends to take Constance to live with the girl’s Aunt Pedigree.
Vocabulary Exercises, Lesson 5
1. intrepidity
2. malignity
3. mortification
4. peremptory
2
Lesson 5
1. Hardcastle and Sir Charles were laughing about Marlow’s mistaking Hardcastle for an
innkeeper.
2. Marlow states to his father and Hardcastle that he has only had one interview with Kate.
3. Kate instructs the men to hide behind a screen and to witness Marlow’s affection for
themselves.
4. Tony took the carriage on a journey that went in circles, ending where he and the ladies
began.
5. Crack-skull Common was notorious for highway robbery.
6. Hardcastle is the one who was taking an evening walk.
7. Fortune produces a lasting repentance.
8. Constance proposes to ask Mr. Hardcastle.
9. Tony did not know his true age, which at point he could refuse Miss Neville.
She Stoops to Conquer
1. J
2. E
3. S
4. P
5. C
6. N
7. B
8. T
9. K
10. R
11. F
12. L
13. A
14. Q
15. G
16. O
17. I
18. M
19. H
20. D
3
4