WAEC Literature in English 2019 Theory — Question 22

Model answer

Points to develop: Statement of the central theme of love and marriage; The different relationships outlined in the play; Introduction of characters and their relationship; Information on the characters; Implications for the advancement of the plot. The play She Stoops to Conquer is a comedy of manners that centres on the love relationships and marriage in a middle class society. The play is about love mistaken identity, appearance and reality and other themes which make interesting the love relationships and marriages between Mr. and Mrs. Hardcastle, Kate Hardcastle and Young Marlow, Constance Neville and Hastings and the feigned love relationship between Constance Neville and Tony, whose love is for Betty Bouncer. The mistakes caused by Tony at the beginning of the play are eventually corrected at the end of it. In Act 1, Scene 1 of the play we get to know the love relationships between each character: the relationship between Mr. and Mrs. Hardcastle; the relationship between Hastings and Constance Neville; the relationship between Young Marlow and Kate Hardcastle; the relationship between Tony and Betty Bouncer. Mr. and Mrs. Hardcastle are the father and mother of Kate Hardcastle. Tony Lumpkin is Mr. Hardcastle's stepson and the son of Mrs. Hardcastle. Kate Hardcastle is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs Hardcastle. Constance Neville is cousin of Kate and Tony and Mrs. Hardcastle's niece. In Act 1, Scene 1 of the play, Mr. and Mrs. Hardcastle have conversation about their living conditions in the countryside. Mrs. Hardcastle is unhappy and describes their house as old fashioned. She feels denied the opportunity to 'rub off the rust a little' in the city and feel as trendy as her neighbours. Mr. Hardcastle, on the other hand, is content with the old ways: 'I love everything that is old including an old wife and old stories.' This statement reveals Mr. Hardcastle's humour which will be treated in subsequent scenes. Act 1, Scene 1 also reveals the perception of Mr. and Mrs. Hardcastle on Tony Lumpkin. Mr. Hardcastle believes that Tony is being spoilt while Mrs. Hardcastle is of the opinion that he is not. Tony is addicted to liquor; he also plays pranks on everybody and with all that, his mother dotes on him. Another important issue raised in this scene is on Tony's real age. Act 1, Scene 1 shows Kate Hardcastle. She is free to wear such attractive dresses in the day but in the evening, she is to be in her house wear. This Act also reveals Mrs. Hardcastle's greed, her desire to get Tony and Constance Neville married so that she can be with the jewels. It also shows Kate's relationship with her father and her willingness to please him. Act 1, Scene 1 reveals the impending arrival of Kate's suitor, Young Marlow. Kate is surprised about Young Marlow's bashfulness. Act 1 Scene 1 of the play prepares the audience for subsequent events in the play. It also provides important knowledge of the characters and their idiosyncrasies which they play out in the rest of the play.