She Stoops to Conquer : Summary

Summary

Life at the House: The play starts at the house of Mr. and Mrs. Hardcastle. It is in the countryside, far from the city. Mr. Hardcastle loves old things and a quiet life. But Mrs. Hardcastle wants to go to the city. She is bored with the village. She complains that they never go out and miss all the fun. Mr. Hardcastle says he likes old clothes, old furniture, and old people—even his old wife. They also have two young people in the house: their daughter Kate and Mrs. Hardcastle’s son Tony. Tony is not serious. He enjoys drinking, joking, and playing tricks. Mrs. Hardcastle wants Tony to marry his cousin, Constance. Constance has some jewels that Mrs. Hardcastle intends to keep in the family. But Tony and Constance do not want to marry each other.

A Visitor for Kate: Mr. Hardcastle tells Kate that Marlow, the son of his friend Sir Charles, is coming to visit. Mr. Hardcastle wants Kate to marry him. Marlow is young, rich, and smart. Kate is ready to meet him. But there is one problem: Marlow is very shy when he talks to rich and noble women. He cannot speak freely with them. But when he talks to women of the lower class, he becomes bold and flirty. Kate wants to test Marlow. She wants to see if he is really a good man. Kate makes a plan in her mind. She will act like a poor girl to see how Marlow behaves. Her cousin Constance tells her that Marlow is the best friend of her lover, Hastings. Constance is also planning to run away with Hastings because her aunt, Mrs. Hardcastle, will not let them marry.

The Big Mistake: On their way to the Hardcastle house, Marlow and Hastings stop at a bar. There, they meet Tony, who plays a trick on them. Tony tells them that Mr. Hardcastle’s house is not a home—it is an inn. Marlow and Hastings believe him. They go to the house thinking they are in a hotel. When they meet Mr. Hardcastle, they treat him like an innkeeper. They speak rudely and give him orders. Mr. Hardcastle is shocked. He feels insulted but tries to remain calm, as he still hopes Marlow will marry his daughter. Meanwhile, Hastings meets Constance in secret. She tells him that Tony must have played a trick. Hastings wants to run away with her. But Constance says she can only marry if she has her aunt’s permission. She cannot take her jewels unless she agrees to marry Tony. So they wait and plan.

Marlow Meets Kate: Marlow thinks Kate is a servant or a barmaid in the inn. So he talks to her freely. Kate dresses in old clothes and speaks like a poor girl. She wants to see his real behavior. Marlow starts to flirt with her. He even tries to kiss her. At that moment, Mr. Hardcastle enters and sees them. He is very angry and thinks Marlow is a bad man. Kate tells her father to wait and give Marlow one more chance. She believes Marlow is shy but honest. She wants to show her father the truth. Kate continues to talk to Marlow as if she were a poor girl. Marlow says he likes her very much. But when Kate tries to speak nicely about her family, Marlow says he cannot marry a girl from a poor family.

Love and Trouble: While Kate and Marlow are busy, Tony helps Hastings and Constance. Tony steals the box of jewels from his mother and gives it to Hastings. He wants to help the couple escape. Constance is very happy. But later, Marlow gives the box of jewels to Mrs. Hardcastle, thinking she is the landlady of the inn. Now the jewels are back in her hands. Constance is very sad. Mrs. Hardcastle decides to send her far away to her sister’s house. Tony promises to help again. He tricks his mother and drives her around in a circle. She thinks they are lost in a dangerous place, but they are close to home. Everyone is confused and scared. At the same time, Marlow starts to feel that something is wrong. He asks Kate where they really are. Kate tells him he is in Mr. Hardcastle’s house. Marlow is shocked. He feels ashamed for behaving badly. Kate still does not tell him who she really is. She says she is only a poor relative. Marlow says he likes her, but he cannot marry someone from a poor family.  

Truth and Change: Later, Sir Charles Marlow comes to the house. Mr. Hardcastle tells him everything. He also says that Marlow and Kate seem to like each other. But Marlow tells them he has no feelings for Kate. Kate comes and says he does like her. She asks the two fathers to hide and watch. They agree. Kate meets Marlow again and speaks in her normal way. Marlow is confused but still says he wants to be with her. He says he is sad because he cannot marry her due to her low birth. Kate then says she is not poor—she is the daughter of Mr. Hardcastle. Marlow is surprised. The two fathers come out and ask why he lied. Marlow is very shy and ashamed, but happy too.

Two Happy Couples: Mrs. Hardcastle comes back, thinking she has lost everything. She is upset that Constance and Hastings may have run away. But they return and ask for permission to marry. Sir Charles says Hastings is a good man. Mr. Hardcastle agrees. At the end, Mr. Hardcastle tells Tony that he is already twenty-one. Tony is now free to choose. He says he does not want to marry Constance. This makes Constance free to marry Hastings and keep her fortune. So, both couples—Marlow and Kate, Hastings and Constance—are now free to marry the ones they love. Everyone is happy, except Mrs. Hardcastle, who loses her plans and her control.

Act I

The Hardcastle Family and the Arrival of Marlow: Mr. and Mrs. Hardcastle argue about country and city life. Mrs. Hardcastle likes visiting London and dislikes their quiet home. Mr. Hardcastle loves old ways and tells country stories. They discuss their son, Tony Lumpkin. Mrs. Hardcastle defends Tony and says he does not need much education. Mr. Hardcastle complains that Tony is lazy and causes mischief. Tony enters and wants to go out. He refuses to stay at home and leaves for the Three Pigeons alehouse.

Respect for Elders and Marlow’s Coming: Mr. Hardcastle says young people nowadays lack respect. He praises his daughter Kate’s looks but dislikes her fancy dress. Kate reminds him of their deal: she can dress up in the morning but must wear simple clothes in the evening. Mr. Hardcastle tells Kate that a young man, Marlow, is coming to visit. He hopes Marlow will marry Kate. He speaks well of Marlow’s character but says Marlow is shy and reserved. Kate worries about marrying a shy man, but still agrees to meet him.

Kate and Miss Neville’s Discussion: Kate talks with her cousin, Miss Constance Neville. They discuss marriage plans. Miss Neville is pressured by Mrs. Hardcastle to marry Tony. Miss Neville loves someone else named Hastings. Kate and Miss Neville agree Tony does not want to marry his cousin. They leave for a walk.

Tony’s Prank on Marlow and Hastings: Tony is at the Three Pigeons with friends. He sings a song and jokes with them. The landlord brings news that two lost gentlemen are looking for Mr. Hardcastle. Tony realizes they are Marlow and Hastings. For a joke, he tricks them by saying Mr. Hardcastle’s house is actually an inn. He gives confusing directions and tells them that the landlord (his own stepfather) wants to act like a gentleman but is actually an innkeeper. Marlow and Hastings thank Tony and leave for the house.

Act II 

Mr. Hardcastle Trains the Servants: Mr. Hardcastle trains his servants on how to behave with guests. The servants are confused and do not understand his instructions. Hardcastle worries they will embarrass him.

Marlow and Hastings Arrive at the House: Marlow and Hastings arrive at the house, still thinking it is an inn. They look around and talk about the comforts of inns and traveling. Marlow feels nervous around upper-class women but is confident with commoners. Hastings’s main goal is to be near Miss Neville and help his friend Marlow.

Mistaken Identity and Awkward Hospitality: Mr. Hardcastle welcomes Marlow and Hastings warmly. The two men mistake him for an innkeeper and speak casually. They complain about food, order punch, and ask about supper and their beds. Mr. Hardcastle is shocked by their rude manners but tries to stay polite.

Hastings Meets Constance Neville: Hastings meets Constance Neville in the house. He is surprised and happy to see her there. Miss Neville explains that Tony has played a trick on them. She says she wants to take her jewels when she runs away, and Hastings promises to help.

Marlow Meets Kate Hardcastle: Marlow is introduced to Kate Hardcastle. He feels very shy and embarrassed in front of her. Their conversation is awkward. Kate notices his shyness and wishes he were more confident.

Tony and Constance’s Pretend Argument: In another room, Tony and Constance pretend to argue. Mrs. Hardcastle boasts about her knowledge of London and her fashion. She wants Tony and Constance to marry, but both disagree and resist her wishes.

Hastings and Tony Make a Plan: Finally, Hastings asks Tony if he wants to marry Constance. Tony refuses and jokes about her faults. Hastings offers to take Constance away, and Tony agrees. They make a plan to help Hastings and Constance escape together with her jewels. 

Act III 

Mistaken Impressions and Secret Plans: Mistaken Impressions Between Father and Daughter: Mr. Hardcastle is shocked by Marlow’s rude behavior. He thinks Marlow is bold and disrespectful. Kate enters, dressed plainly as her father asked. Kate says she finds Marlow very shy and polite. Mr. Hardcastle disagrees and says Marlow acts as if he owns the house. They realize they have seen different sides of Marlow. Both say they will not accept Marlow as a husband or son-in-law if he does not improve. They decide to watch Marlow more closely to understand him better.

Tony Helps Hastings and Constance: Tony brings Constance’s stolen jewelry to Hastings. He says his mother will never willingly give the jewels to Constance. Tony secretly took the jewels and gives them to Hastings for their planned escape. Hastings worries about Mrs. Hardcastle’s anger, but Tony says not to worry.

Mrs. Hardcastle and Constance Argue Over the Jewels: Constance asks Mrs. Hardcastle for her jewels. Mrs. Hardcastle pretends they are lost. Tony joins and supports his mother’s story. Constance is upset. Mrs. Hardcastle tries to comfort her by offering other jewelry, but Constance dislikes it. Tony tells Constance not to worry because he already has her jewels.

Miss Hardcastle’s New Plan: A maid tells Kate that Marlow mistook her for the barmaid. Kate realizes Marlow did not recognize her and decides to keep up the disguise. She wants to test Marlow’s real character when he thinks she is a servant.

Marlow’s True Nature Appears: Marlow enters and acts confident with the “barmaid” Kate. He flirts, compliments her, and tries to kiss her. Kate refuses and teases Marlow. Marlow boasts about being popular with women in town. Kate laughs and keeps pretending.

Mr. Hardcastle Gets Angry: Mr. Hardcastle sees Marlow flirting with Kate and gets angry. He thinks Marlow is acting even worse than before. Kate insists Marlow is still modest and just needs time. Hardcastle says he may throw Marlow out of the house. Kate asks for one more hour to prove Marlow’s true character. Hardcastle reluctantly agrees to give her time.

Act IV 

Secrets Revealed and Plans Fail: New Problems for Hastings and Constance: Miss Neville tells Hastings that Sir Charles Marlow will arrive soon. Hastings worries his identity will be discovered. He gives the jewels to Marlow for safekeeping. Hastings goes to prepare for their escape.

The Jewels are Misplaced: Marlow gives the casket of jewels to the landlady. Hastings becomes worried when he finds out. He fears their fortune is lost but hides his worry from Marlow.

Mr. Hardcastle Confronts Marlow: Hardcastle is upset with Marlow and his servants. Marlow’s servants are drunk because Marlow told them to drink freely. Hardcastle loses patience. He orders Marlow and his servants to leave the house. Marlow refuses and thinks Hardcastle is joking. Both men get angry and argue about who owns the house. Hardcastle threatens to tell Marlow’s father, then leaves.

Marlow Learns the Truth: Miss Hardcastle arrives, and Marlow stops her. He finally learns that this is Mr. Hardcastle’s house, not an inn. Marlow is shocked and embarrassed. He realizes he has insulted his host and mistaken Kate for a barmaid. Marlow feels ashamed and says he must leave.

Emotional Goodbye with Kate: Kate pretends to be sad about Marlow leaving. Marlow admits he admires her. He says their different social positions make him unable to offer marriage. Kate secretly admires Marlow for his honesty.

Tony and Constance’s Secret Plan Fails: Tony tells Constance he has returned her jewels. Mrs. Hardcastle enters and is happy to see Tony and Constance together. She wants them to marry soon. A letter is delivered to Tony from Hastings, but Tony cannot read it. Constance keeps Mrs. Hardcastle busy while she tries to read the letter. Mrs. Hardcastle finally reads it and learns of their plan to elope. She becomes furious and says she will send Constance away with Tony as escort.

Blame and Arguments: Hastings and Marlow blame Tony for the failure. They quarrel with each other in their distress. Miss Neville is forced to go with Mrs. Hardcastle and Tony. Constance and Hastings feel hopeless, but Tony secretly plans to help them escape later.

Act V 

Final Revelations and Happy Endings

Disappointments and Confessions: Hastings learns Mrs. Hardcastle and Miss Neville have already left. He gives up hope of escaping with Constance. Sir Charles Marlow arrives and laughs about Marlow’s mistake with Hardcastle. Hardcastle is hopeful for his daughter Kate’s happiness.

Misunderstandings About Marlow and Kate: Marlow apologizes to Hardcastle for his behavior. Hardcastle hints that Marlow likes Kate. Marlow acts confused and denies any affection. Hardcastle is frustrated. Sir Charles trusts his son, but Hardcastle trusts Kate.

Kate Sets a Test: Kate confirms to Sir Charles and her father that Marlow declared his love. She invites them to listen secretly as Marlow talks to her. They agree to watch behind a screen.

Tony’s Adventure and Mrs. Hardcastle’s Return: Tony tricks his mother and Constance by getting them lost. He leads them in circles and brings them back home. Mrs. Hardcastle is exhausted and scared. Hardcastle finds them and explains they are near the house. Mrs. Hardcastle blames Tony for the trouble.

Hastings and Constance Decide Their Future: Hastings begs Constance to run away with him. Constance decides to stay and appeal to Mr. Hardcastle for help. Hastings reluctantly agrees.

The Truth About Marlow is Revealed: Sir Charles and Hardcastle overhear Marlow confess his true love to Kate. Marlow believes she is not of his rank but says fortune means nothing compared to her. Kate finally tells Marlow her real identity. Marlow is shocked and embarrassed by the mix-up.

Forgiveness and Happy Matches: Mrs. Hardcastle is angry that Constance and Hastings return. Hastings and Constance explain their feelings and ask for permission to marry. Mr. Hardcastle announces Tony is already of age, so he is free to choose. Tony immediately refuses to marry Constance. Constance is free to marry Hastings, and Tony is finally independent.

Everyone is United: Marlow and Kate are united with their families’ approval. Hardcastle blesses both couples. The mistakes and confusions are resolved. They plan a joyful celebration for the whole village.