Give an account of the Casket episode in “She Stoops to Conquer.” 

Answer

Give an account of the casket episode in “She Stoops to Conquer.” 

The casket episode is an important part of the subplot in “She Stoops to Conquer” (1773). It is related to the love story of Hastings and Constance. This part of the play brings humour, confusion, and surprise. It also helps us understand the real nature of some characters like Mrs. Hardcastle, Constance, Tony, and Hastings.

Plan to Elope: Hastings and Constance love each other. Hastings wants to run away with her. But Constance does not want to go without her casket of jewels. These jewels are her property. Her aunt, Mrs. Hardcastle, keeps them. She refuses to give this and says,

“Indeed, Constance, you amaze me. Such a girl as you want jewels! It will be time enough for jewels, my dear, twenty years hence, when your beauty begins to want repairs.”

Constance is careful and wants to secure her fortune before leaving. Hastings is sad but agrees to wait. This shows that Constance is wise and careful.

Tony’s Help: Tony also wants to help them. He does not want to marry Constance. So, he steals the casket from his mother and gives it to Hastings. When Hastings asks how he got the jewels, he says,

“Ask me no questions, and I’ll tell you no fibs,”

This makes Hastings and Constance very happy. Tony’s action shows that he is kind and helpful. 

Back to Mrs. Hardcastle: Later, Marlow mistakenly returns the casket to Mrs. Hardcastle. He thinks she is the landlady of an inn. Hastings becomes upset again. Then, Tony makes another mistake by giving her a letter from Hastings. She learns about the plan to elope and becomes angry. 

In final, the casket episode is both funny and meaningful. It shows the greed of Mrs. Hardcastle and the wisdom of Constance. It also proves Tony’s kind nature and Hastings’s true love.