Epilogue to "She Stoops to Conquer"

The epilogue presents a reflection on the journey of a character who has successfully navigated the complexities of love and social roles. The speaker, having achieved her goal of marrying without relying on superficial means, expresses a desire to continue captivating her audience. She likens life to a play, where each act represents different stages of her existence, from a timid country maid to a confident bar-maid, and finally to a wife who aspires to higher social standing. In the first act, she embodies innocence and naivety, showcasing her modesty and eagerness to please. The second act reveals her transformation into a more assertive and lively character, adept at charming patrons and managing the inn. The third act shifts to urban life, where she becomes a celebrated figure, skillfully attracting attention and admiration from various suitors. As she progresses to the fourth act, her marriage elevates her status, leading her to adopt pretentious tastes and behaviors, distancing herself from her humble beginnings. The final act hints at her evolution into a more complex figure, one who seeks to advocate for herself and others, suggesting a blend of ambition and self-awareness. The epilogue encapsulates the themes of social mobility, the performance of gender roles, and the interplay between personal identity and societal expectations, ultimately portraying a character who has mastered the art of both conquest and self-reinvention.

By Oliver Goldsmith · First published 1773 · Genre: Comedy, Drama, Satire · 437 words

First lines

WELL, having stoop'd to conquer with success, And gain'd a husband without aid from dress, Still, as a Bar-maid, I could wish it too, As I have conquer'd him, to conquer you: And let me say, for all your resolution, That pretty Bar-maids have done execution. Our life is all a play, compos'd to please, ‘We have our exits and our entrances. ' The First Act shows the simple country maid, Harmless and young, of ev'ry thing afraid; Blushes when hir'd, and, with unmeaning action, ‘I hopes as how to give you satisfaction. ' Her Second Act displays a livelier scene- Th' unblushing Bar-maid of a country inn, Who whisks about the house, at market caters, Talks loud, coquets the guests, and scolds the waiters. Next the scene shifts to town, and there she soars, The chop-house toast of ogling connoisseurs. On 'Squires and Cits she there displays her arts, And on the gridiron broils her lovers' hearts: And as she smiles, her triumphs to complete, Even Common-Councilmen forget to eat.

What this Textopian page supports

Epilogue to "She Stoops to Conquer" is listed on Textopian as a play by Oliver Goldsmith, dated 1773 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

• Work type: Play
• Author: Oliver Goldsmith
• Date: 1773 CE
• Language: English
• Genres: Comedy, Drama, Satire, Romantic, Theatrical
• Length: 437 words
• Structure: 1 section, 2 paragraphs
• Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

Good citation fit

• Work identity for Epilogue to "She Stoops to Conquer" by Oliver Goldsmith
• Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
• Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
• Readability and classroom-planning context
• Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph

Discussion starters

• What should a reader notice first when entering Epilogue to "She Stoops to Conquer"?
• How does this play by Oliver Goldsmith fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
• Where does Comedy first become important in the reading?

Similar titles

• Epilogue Intended To Have Been Spoken For She Stoops To Conquer 1 by Oliver Goldsmith
• Epilogue Intended To Have Been Spoken For She Stoops To Conquer 2 by Oliver Goldsmith
• The Downfall Of Mr Jabez Stiffson by Herbert Jenkins
• The Way Of The World by William Congreve
• The Small Bachelor by P. G. Wodehouse
• A Midsummer Masquerade by O. Henry

Genres

• Comedy — The work employs humor and satire to explore social norms and relationships, characteristic of comedic literature.
• Drama — The narrative structure and character development align with dramatic storytelling, focusing on personal and social conflicts.
• Satire — The text critiques societal expectations and behaviors, particularly regarding gender roles and class distinctions.
• Romantic — Themes of love and courtship are central to the plot, reflecting romantic ideals and relationships.

Tags

Comedy · Satire · Social Commentary · Class Satire · Manners and Etiquette · Marriage · Love · Deception · Identity · Social Hierarchy · Upper Class · Lower Class

More by Oliver Goldsmith

• An Elegy on the Glory of her Sex (1774)
• The Mad Dog (1774)
• She Stoops to Conquer (1773)
• The Vicar of Wakefield (2023)
• The Traveller or a Prospect of Society (1770)
• The Deserted Village (1770)
• Lyrical and Miscellaneous Pieces (1765)
• On a Beautiful Youth Struck Blind with Lightning (1761)
• All works by Oliver Goldsmith