The
present title ‘She Stoops to Conquer’ was chosen after careful
consideration. Goldsmith first called the play, The Mistakes of a Night. Later
this original title The Mistakes of a Night was replaced by She
Stoops to Conquer which constitutes the main title of the play and the
original title The Mistakes of a Night was retained as the sub-title of
the play.
The
Main Title: Apt and Suggestive: -
The main title She Stoops to Conquer is attractive and it at once
catches the attention of the readers. It refers to the stratagem of Miss Hardcastle
who has fallen in love with Marlow, and who stoops to play the role of a
barmaid in order to conquer him. The main incident of the play is no doubt, the
conquest of Marlow by Miss Hardcastle. Marlow is shy and reserved in the
presence of ladies of high strata, where as he is free and frank before the
ladies of lower strata. So Marlow presents himself before Miss Hardcastle with
shyness and reserve. Miss Hardcastle does not find any alternative to win Marlow’s
heart except stooping to the level of a barmaid. Doing so, she wins the heart
of Marlow. Thus the main story is suggested by the title. Hence She Stoops
to Conquer is both apt and attractive and the dramatist’s choice is
justified.
