Theory question 107
Set Text: She Stoops to ConquerLiterature 2, Section B. Oliver Goldsmith: She Stoops to Conquer
Discuss the role of Miss Hardcastle in She Stoops to Conquer.
Show the model answer
Model answer
Heroine; Hardcastle's lively, sensible, witty daughter.
Agrees to meet Marlow; finds him shy with ladies of her class.
'Stoops' by pretending to be a barmaid so Marlow will talk freely; wins his love.
Keeps the deception going to test him; lets her father see the 'other' Marlow.
Brings about the comic resolution and her own marriage.
Shows the theme of disguise and of true character beneath appearance.
Explanation
Show what she does and how it moves the plot.