45 pages • 1 hour read
She Stoops to Conquer
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Book Brief
84
Play • Fiction
England • 18th century
1773
Adult
14+ years
Super Short Summary
She Stoops to Conquer by Oliver Goldsmith is a comedy of manners and romance set in 18th-century England. The plot revolves around the Hardcastle family expecting a visit from Charles Marlow, who mistakes their home for an inn due to a prank by Tony Lumpkin. Marlow, who is nervous around upper-class women but bold with lower-class ones, falls for the disguised Kate Hardcastle, leading to a series of humorous misunderstandings and romantic developments.
Humorous
Romantic
Playful
Bittersweet
Heartwarming
Reviews & Readership
12,409 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
She Stoops to Conquer by Oliver Goldsmith is celebrated for its witty dialogue and humorous portrayal of mistaken identities, which many praise for its timeless appeal and ability to entertain. However, some critics argue that the plot can feel contrived. Overall, it's considered a charming and enduring comedy that remains engaging for modern audiences.
Who Should Read She Stoops to Conquer?
A reader who delights in classic comedy and satire will enjoy Oliver Goldsmith’s She Stoops to Conquer. Fans of Jane Austen's humor in Pride and Prejudice and the witty social critiques in Oscar Wilde's The Importance of Being Earnest will appreciate Goldsmith's clever plot twists and character dynamics.
12,409 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Charles Marlow
Charles Marlow
The son of a wealthy aristocrat and the love interest of Kate; he is handsome and intelligent but struggles with extreme shyness around women of his social class.
Constance Neville
Constance Neville
Kate's cousin and confidante, Constance is an orphan living with the Hardcastles who is involved in a romantic subplot and seeks to access her inherited wealth.
Tony Lumpkin
Tony Lumpkin
The son of Mrs. Hardcastle from a prior marriage, Tony serves as comic relief in the play; he is mischievous, uneducated, and uninterested in the pursuits typical of his social class.
84
Play • Fiction
England • 18th century
1773
Adult
14+ years
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