Themes and Issues

Abstract

She Stoops to Conquer is more than an example of narration by means of actors, although this element is present. An extra dimension is given to the plot by the development of several related themes: the plot hangs principally on Tony Lumpkin’s deceit in suggesting to Marlow and Hastings that his stepfather’s house is an inn and the ensuing problems caused by this mistaken identification. Further complications arise from Kate’s decision to allow Marlow to imagine that when she is in her homely attire she is a barmaid: thus to some extent the theme of disguise runs through the play also, and this is touched upon at several points in the narrative. In the gradual resolution of the plot it is important that errors of identity are cleared away so that the participants in the comedy may recognise the true character of their fellows. In turn this leads to a philosophical idea: in the discovery of the truth about identity, an element of self-discovery may be present. Thus it is that Marlow’s divided nature (his brashness of approach on the one hand and his unnatural reserve on the other) is brought ultimately to a harmonious unity, and he discovers how to cope with the opposite sex.