Describe Mr. Handcastle’s Love of Old Things.
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Answer
Describe Mr. Handcastle’s love of old things.
Love for old things is common in human being from ancient times. In Oliver Goldsmith’s (1728-1774) play “She Stoops to Conquer” (1771), Mr. Hardcastle is deeply affected for old things. This passion shapes his personality and influences his actions throughout the play.
Nostalgia and Tradition: Mr. Hardcastle’s love of old things is rooted in his nostalgia and respect for tradition. He finds comfort in the familiarity of the past and prefers the simplicity and reliability of old-fashioned ways. This is evident in his preference for old furniture, traditional clothing, and even his choice of entertainment. He says about old-fashioned things:
Well, sir, I’m resolved at least to attend you. (Aside.) This may be modern modesty, but I never saw anything look so like old-fashioned impudence.
He often reminisces about the good old days and longs for the past, which he believes was a time of more incredible honor and virtue.
Source of Conflict and Comedy: This love of old things also becomes a source of conflict and comedy in the play. His wife, Mrs. Hardcastle, has a contrasting love for modern trends and luxuries. She leads to humorous disagreements between the two. She says:
A parcel of old-fashioned rose and table-cut things. They would make you look like the court of King Solomon at a puppet-show.
Mr. Hardcastle’s antiquated tastes are also at odds with the younger characters, such as his daughter Kate and her suitor Marlow, who represent the new generation. Mr. Hardcastle’s stubborn adherence to old ways often puts him in amusing situations, further enriching the play’s humour.
In termination, Mr. Hardcastle’s love of old things in “She Stoops to Conquer” is a crucial aspect of his character, representing his nostalgia and resistance to change. This passion for antiquity defines his personality, creates humorous conflicts, and adds depth to the story.