Conflict in She Stoops to Conquer

The primary conflict in this play stems from the trick that Lumpkin plays on Marlow and Hastings. Lumpkin recognizes the men at an alehouse, and because he likes a practical joke, tells them that the Hardcastle home is an inn. This deception is what causes Marlow to be so rude to Mr. Hardcastle. Tony Lumpkin’s trick is then also the root of Kate Hardcastle’s act. Marlow is only confident around Kate when he believes her to be a barmaid, so in order for him to fall in love with her, Kate continues to adopt the barmaid persona. There is also a conflict between Mrs. Hardcastle and Tony, as she is holding his inheritance from him and making him believe that he is not yet of age. This allows her to maintain control of Tony, which she has exercised by promising Tony to Constance in marriage. When Tony’s age comes to light, however, the conflict is resolved: Tony takes his inheritance, leaving Constance free to marry Hastings.