Tone in She Stoops to Conquer

Goldsmith writes certain lines in the dialect of the rural, lower-class English and others in the proper dialect of the educated classes. He uses this tonal contrast between lower- and upper-class speech to highlight the broader conflict between Marlow and Mr. Hardcastle, whom Marlow believes to be a humble innkeeper. This conflict, caused by Marlow’s rude attitude toward Hardcastle, also creates humor through dramatic irony because of the audience’s knowledge of Hardcastle’s true status.

Tone Examples in She Stoops to Conquer:

Act The First

"I loves to hear him sing, bekeays he never gives us nothing that's low..." See in text (Act The First)

This is Goldsmith's attempt to capture the dialect of the rural working class.

Stephen Holliday

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Act The Second

"By the laws..." See in text (Act The Second)

Again, Goldsmith is trying to replicate the speech of the lower class in a rural area.

Stephen Holliday

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