She Stoops to Conquer; Or, The Mistakes of a Night: A Comedy

First performed in 1773, Oliver Goldsmith’s She Stoops to Conquer is a delightful comedy of manners that remains one of the most enduring and beloved plays in English theatre. The plot follows the charming and spirited Miss Hardcastle, who pretends to be a barmaid ("stoops") to win the love of the shy and awkward Charles Marlow. Filled with misunderstandings, disguises, and playful twists, the play satirizes social pretensions and the rigid class distinctions of the time. With its lively humor, clever dialogue, and memorable characters, She Stoops to Conquer continues to captivate audiences and readers alike as a true comic masterpiece.