ESP
RosyABSTRAKSI
Drama adalah suatu karya sastra yang sangat menarik untuk dibahas, karena dapat mengilustrasikan kehidupan dengan sangat jelas. Semua bentuk karya sastra adalah seni pengolahan kata, tetapi hanya drama yang didalamnya terdapat berbagai dialog yang dapat menunjukkan arti, mendeskripsikan situasi dan melibatkan aksi yang menarik karena dibawakan oleh beberapa karakter lewat aksinya.
She Stoops to Conquer merupakan sebuah drama komedi pada abad delapan belas yang ditulis oleh Oliver Goldsmith. Pada drama ini para karakter didalamnya mengalami beberapa kesulitan untuk menyelesaikan permasalahan mereka. Terdapat beberapa kesalahpahaman yang dialami oleh beberapa karakter dalam drama itu. Meskipun masalah yang dihadapi serius, tetapi situasi yang terjadi dapat menimbulkan berbagai kemungkinan munculnya humor didalamnya.
Metode yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah metode induktif, yaitu menarik kesimpulan dari kejadian yang bersifat khusus ke umum yang dihubungkan dengan drama itu sendiri. Cara yang digunakan adalah data-data yang berhubungan dengan pembentukan tema dan beberapa kesalahpahaman yang menimbulkan situasi yang lucu dikumpulkan dan kemudian dapat ditentukan tema umum dari drama yang dibahas.
Hasil dari penelitian terhadap drama She Stoops to Conquer ini memberikan pesan moral bahwa masyarakat secara umum biasanya terlalu cepat menilai seseorang atau sesuatu hanya dari apa yang terlihat saja. Secara khusus drama ini juga menunjukkan bahwa kesalahpahaman bisa menjadi lucu pada saat salah penilaian terhadap seseorang atau sesuatu itu terjadi.
Kata Kunci : Humorous, Misunderstanding, Theme.
Literature is a kind of art comprises a specific series of human actions and creations as well as the expression of the real life. As a mirror of the real life, it definitely contains things happening in the life oh human beings and their surroundings. A careful study of literary works represents a way to add experience about life and also to gain knowledge about human life with all of their natural problems. Hudson in An Introduction To The study of Literature defines that, “Literature is a vital record of what men have seen in life, what they have experienced of it which have the most immediate and enduring interest for all of us” (1965: 10). This definition clarifies that literature portrays important things in human life.
Literature is typically divided into three forms; novel, drama and poetry. Drama as one of literary works is a part of literature as well as novel and poetry. It reflects human life and human activities. According to Webster's New World College Dictionary, a play or drama is a literary composition that tells a story, usually of human conflicts, by making use of dialogue and action, to be performed by actors (1996: 413).
Drama is a kind of literary work which is very interesting to read about, because it illustrates human life. Its illustrations are clearer than the two other forms, namely prose and poem. It is because its benefits the readers can get from the play. All forms of literature are an art of words, but it is only the play that exists mainly in dialogues that express meanings, describe the setting and involve attractive actions since the presentation of characters through action. Even it is created especially to be performed on the stage that makes it clear for us to understand so that it can be understood visually.
The eighteenth-century play by Oliver Goldsmith, She Stoops to Conquer was produced on March 15, 1773, at The Covent Garden Theatre, London. It is a comedy. In this play, the characters of Charles Marlow, Sir Hardcastle, and her daughter Kate Hardcastle have some difficulties to solve their problems; there are several misunderstandings that have been undergone by the characters. Although the problems are serious, the situations have a sense of many opportunities for humor as there are characters who are of a humor, and of course, it makes someone feel optimistic because it ends with a happy resolution.
Theme as a central meaning of a story always exists in every literary works. It cannot be separated from the story since it contributes the existence of the story and also makes the readers interested to enjoy and read the story.
There are many series of humorous misunderstandings that happen in this play. The characters misunderstand each other because of their social status and the attitudes among the characters also examined. However, the most important contrasts are clear between appearance and reality, and between what the characters want to do and their duties. These misunderstandings provide the humor in the play through deceptions and exposures of the foolishness of various individuals. Based on the explanation above, the problem to discuss is humorous misunderstandings which happen among the characters and their efforts in order to get someone whom they love.
The goal of the research is to carry out a deep analysis and to appreciate the work of literature, especially humorous misunderstandings as the theme in She Stoops to Conquer by Oliver Goldsmith.
HUMOROUS
Humorous is something which shows a sense of humor through speech, writing or action form. It also determines bodily health and temperament of a person. The word humorous is an adjective. It is derives from the word humor, as a noun, and by adding a suffix “ous” to the root that just changes its part of speech, but the meaning is constant and unchangeable.
There are many definitions of humorous, A.S. Hornby in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary of Current English defines “humorous” (adjective) as “having or showing a sense of humour; funny' (1974: 416).
The word “humorous” (adjective) in Webster's New World College Dictionary Third Edition (1997: 658) means:
1. Having or expressing humor; funny; amusing; comical.
2. Whimsical; capricious.
3. Moist; humoral.
Meanwhile in Webster's Third New International Dictionary of the English Language Unabridged with Seven Language Dictionary Volume II (1981:1102) defines “humorous” (adjective) as:
1. Subject to or governed by humor or caprice: capricious, whimsical.
2. Moist, humid, watery.
3. Full of or characterized by humor: funny, jocular.
4. Possessing, indicating, or expressive of a sense of humor: given to the display of or appreciative humor.
Another description of “humorous” is stated by Mario Pei in The New Grolier Webster International Dictionary of the English Language. He states that “humorous” (adjective) is “a full of humor; exciting laughter; comical; funny; expressing humor; jocular; witty; amusing” (1974: 467).
Based on the description above, the meaning of humorous is having or showing a sense of humor; exciting laughter: funny and amusing and also the faculties of understanding that is laughter-producing and the expression of peculiarities and oddities in a situation or action.
MISUNDERSTANDING
Misunderstanding is a common event and it can happen to human beings in his or her daily life as a reflection of their real characteristics; that is fault and forgetfulness. It is, also, difficult to state exactly what misunderstanding is, since there are several definitions of misunderstanding.
In Webster's Third New International Dictionary of the English Language Unabridged with Seven Language Dictionary Volume II, the word “misunderstanding” (noun) means:
1. A failure to understand: misinterpretation
2. Disagreement, quarrel (1981: 1447)
In Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary of Current English, A.S Hornby defines the word “misunderstanding” (noun) as “failure to understand rightly, esp. when this has led or may lead to ill feelings” (1974: 542).
Another description of misunderstanding is stated by Laurence Urdang in The Random House Dictionary of the English Language College Edition. He says that “misunderstanding” (noun) as:
1. A failure to understand, mistake as to meaning
2. Disagreement or dissension (1967: 855)
By understanding the information given above, it can be concluded that misunderstanding means disagreement, failure to understand rightly, mistake of meaning or taking a wrong opinion of somebody or something so that it may cause quarrel. Misunderstanding in broadest sense cannot only happen through words but through action as well. People cannot avoid misunderstanding because as social beings, they must make a contact with another person in the community.
THEME
The word “theme” has a number of definitions. In fact, it is hard to define exactly since each expert has his own opinion in interpreting theme. To know more about the meaning of the word “theme”, it is better to explain it through several sources.
According to Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary of Current English A.S Hornby defines the word “theme” (noun) as:
1. Topic; subject of a talk or a piece of writing
2. Subject set for a student's essay
(1987: 895)
Laurence Urdang in The Random House Dictionary of English Language states that “theme” (noun) means:
1. A subject of discourse, discussion, meditation, or composition; topic
2. A short, informal essay, especially a school composition (1967: 1361)
Shaw in Dictionary of Literary Terms describes the word “theme” (noun) as:
1. The central and dominating idea in a literary work
2. A short essay, such as a school college composition
3. The message or moral implicit in any work of art
(1972: 378)
Meanwhile Edward H. Jones in Outlines of Literature says that “theme” of a novel is its underlying ideas or wisdom that the author is presenting” (1960: 22).
In addition, William Kenney in How to Analyze Fiction defines “theme” as follows:
Theme, then, is the total meaning discovered by the writer in the process of writing and by the reader in the process of reading. It means that the readers are able to discover the theme in the process of reading a story only by a thorough and responsive reading of the story, involving a constant awareness of the relations among the parts of the story and of the relations of parts to whole (1966: 94).
Furthermore, Robert Stanton in An Introduction to Fiction explains clearly that:
Theme or central idea of story corresponds to the meaning of a human experience; it may be anything that could make an experience memorable. It lends force and unity to the events described, and it tells us something about life in general, a generalization that may or may not imply a moral judgement. It may be single fact of human experience that the story describes or explores: courage, disillusion, old age. It may even be the personality of one of the characters. About the only safe generalization we can make concerning the theme is that it gives unity to the story and meaning to the events (1964: 4).
Based on the definitions above, theme can mean as a principal thought or basic subject that is discussed and it also means as a central meaning of literary work, which it should be found in order to get messages in reading the work of literature as well.
HUMOROUS MISUNDERSTANDINGS AS THE THEME OF OLIVER GOLDSMITH'S SHE STOOPS TO CONQUER
The major discussion of this research is divided into two sub-chapters. The first sub-chapter discusses humorous misunderstandings in the play. Humorous misunderstandings that happen in She Stoops to Conquer are caused by the bad intention of Mr. Hardcastle's stepson, Tony Lumpkin toward his brother-in-law to be, Charles Marlow. It is divided into four major discussions. The second sub-chapter talks about humorous misunderstandings as the central theme in the play.
Humorous Misunderstandings in the Play
It has been revealed above that there are a great number of humorous misunderstandings that happen in the play. The first is the humorous misunderstandings which happen to Marlow and Hastings as the consequence of their misinterpretation toward Mr. Hardcastle's house, the second is Marlow and Hastings' behaviors toward Mr. Hardcastle's expression, the third is Marlow's attitudes toward Miss Hardcastle's behavior and the last is Mr. Hardcastle's reaction toward Marlow's attitude.
Humorous misunderstandings in this play are mostly presented in humorous situations, it means that the characters who undergo the misunderstandings do not realize they are in the middle of the situation which is made by someone who does something on purpose and as a result there is much of humor that arises from the situation.
Marlow and Hastings's Misunderstandings toward Mr. Hardcastle's House
Based on the play there are many humorous misunderstandings which are experienced by the characters. One of the misunderstandings is Marlow and Hasting's misinterpretations toward Mr. Hardcastle's house. This situation happens when Marlow is going to visit his future wife, Kate Hardcastle together with his friend, George Hastings. Both of the gentlemen have taken a long journey for many miles across the country and during their journey, they have not inquired the passers-by how to get to Mr. Hardcastle's house.
It proves that Marlow is a very shy gentleman, eventhough he is an educated man. Unwilling to receive bad-mannered answer from the people, the two gentlemen have lost their way in the forest in search for Mr. Hardcastle's house. At that moment they meet Tony Lumpkin at the Ale house and after that Tony who realizes that both of the gentlemen are going to visit his father's house makes a trick on them. He tells the gentlemen that the distance of Mr. Hardcastle's house is long, dark and dangerous from the place they were present at that moment.
Tony tells one of his cronies to give them the bewildering direction to Mr. Hardcastle's house in order to abandon their plan to continue the journey at that night. Marlow, who feels that the journey has been tiring them, plans to spend a night at the Ale house. Tony, who is worried about his trickery plans will be revealed by the two gentlemen, suggested to both of them to stay at the best inn in the country rather than the Ale house, so that they can rest before continuing their journey to Mr. Hardcastle's house.
Tony directs them to his father's own house without being noticed by them intentionally. This kind of foolish action is intended to revenge his stepfather who has been calling him dog and all sorts of bad names.
Tony : As sure as can be, one of them must be the gentleman that's coming to marry my sister. Do they seem to be Londoners?
Landlord : I believe they may. They look very like Frenchmen.
Tony : (Alone) Stepfather has been calling me dog and all sorts of bad names this year. Now, if I like, I can be revenged on the old man.
(ACT I: 10)
The quotation above proves that Tony's action becomes the main factor that causes humorous misunderstandings in the play. As a result, both of the two gentlemen are tricked. At first, those gentlemen did not believe what Tony says but when Tony tried to describe that he actually knows about Mr. Hardcastle's family and it suits with the description that Marlow's father gave, they finally believe him. Tony tells the two gentlemen that the journey to Mr. Hardcastle's house is still so far away and they will not reach it by night. Tony, who knows that the two gentlemen have made a long journey, suggests them to take a rest at one of the best inns in the country. Actually, he sends them to his own father's house.
Tony : Then let me see __ why not go on to the old Buck's Head, on the hill, one of the best inns in the country?
Landlord.(Aside to Tony) : Come. Now, you aren't sending them to your father's house as it were an inn, are you?
Tony : Be quiet, you fool, you. Let them find that out (To them.) you have only to keep on straight forward till you come to a large old house by the roadside. You'll see a pair or large horns over the door. That's the sign. Drive into the yard and call out loudly. I'll just come and show you the way myself. (To the landlord.) Don't say anything.
(ACT II: 13__14)
From the quotation above, it can be noticed that the two gentlemen can trust Tony's suggestions and Tony himself offers to accompany them to the place that he clarifies as an inn.
Meanwhile in Mr. Hardcastle's house, when he hears about the coming of his daughter's future husband, Young Marlow, Mr. Hardcastle tries to teach four of his maids to become good servants in order to serve his companies. He gives some trainings to the servants by telling them of what they must do and must not do during the coming of his guests.
Hardcastle : Well. I hope you will remember everything that I have been trying to teach you during these last few days. You all know where to go and what to do, and can show that you are used to good company at your home.
All : Yes, yes.
Hardcastle: When the company comes, you are not to run out and look and then run in again, like frightened rabbits.
All : No, no.
(ACT II: 15)
Mr. Hardcastle's house is an old house but it is a very good-looking and comfortable house. It has a lot of rooms and fireplaces. It also provides the guests with food and good wine too. At the time when the guests arrive, Mr. Hardcastle as the good host welcomes Marlow and Hastings warmly and after receiving this kind of hospitality and also seeing the condition of the house, finally they consider the house as an inn.
Marlow and Hastings's Misunderstandings toward Mr. Hardcastle's Expression
Before analyzing Marlow and Hastings's Misunderstandings of Mr. Hardcastle's house, it is necessary to know the meaning of the word ‘expression' as Mario Pei, says that expression is defined as the act of expressing or setting forth in words (1974:347). It can be interpreted that expression is the process of representing someone's feeling, reaction and thought to someone.
The misunderstanding of Mr. Hardcastle begins when Young Marlow and George Hastings arrive in Mr. Hardcastle's house. Both of the gentlemen insult Mr. Hardcastle several times from the moment they met him in the house.
Mr. Hardcastle is an old man who upholds the traditional moral standards and behaviors, so, he prefers to welcome his guests himself although he has already trained his servants what to do. He gives a warm welcome when he receives his old friend's son without being aware that the young man does not realize that Mr. Hardcastle himself as the host of the house.
Marlow, who often spends his life among inns in many countries, feels the polite treatment of Mr. Hardcastle is a common action, as the innkeeper of an inn always does to welcome their guests at every inn.
Hardcastle : Gentlemen, once more you are warmly welcome. Which is Mr. Marlow? Sir, you are indeed welcome. I do not, as you see, receive my friends with my back to the fire. I like to welcome them at my gate. I like to see that their horses and trunks are taken care of.
Marlow (Aside.) : He has got our names from the servants already. (To him.) We are pleased with your hospitality, Sir. (To Hastings.) I have been thinking, George, of changing our traveling dresses in the morning. I have become quite ashamed of mine.
Hardcastle : I beg you, Mr. Marlow, not to use any ceremony in this house.
Hastings : I think, Charles, you are right. I shall wear the white and gold suit tomorrow.
Hardcastle :Mr. Marlow__Mr. Hastings__gentlemen, please feel quite free to do what you wish in my house.
(ACT II: 19-20)
Based on the quotation mentioned above, it proves that the two gentlemen do not realize who Mr. Hardcastle actually is. They recognize him as the innkeeper and after Mr. Hardcastle expresses that they are pleased to feel quite free in the house, they decide to do anything what they want to do.
There is a time when Mr. Hardcastle is trying to make a conversation with them but they always ignore him and never bother to anything he says. They even ask him to give them a glass of punch; it is a kind of a strong drink, which is hot and sweet.
Marlow : What, my good friend, if you gave us a glass of punch in the meantime we should be very happy.
Hardcastle : Punch, Sir! (Aside.) This is the most extra ordinary kind of shyness that I have ever known.
Marlow : Yes, Sir, punch. A glass of warm punch, after our journey, will be comforting. You said we could do what we liked here, you know.
Hardcastle : Here is some cup, sir.
Marlow (Aside.) well this fellow tells us to ask for what we want, but he gives us what he wants us to have.
(ACT II: 21)
It is clear that Mr. Hardcastle does not realize that the two gentlemen do not recognize him as the host of the house instead of the innkeeper. They ask him to serve them whatever they want. Mr. Hardcastle, who feels doubtful about Marlow's attitude, is trying to wonder that he is not exactly the person who has been described by his old friend, Sir Charles Marlow. He is told that the young man is learned, wise and of good understanding, and best of all, he is one of the very shy and quietest young men in the world. He is surprised, because his friend's son behaves considerably contradictory to what he has heard.
One of the big mistakes of Marlow's and Hastings' is they never ask the name of the person who welcomes them. They continue to consider Mr. Hardcastle as the innkeeper and once again, Mr. Hardcastle is very surprised when he is asked to prepare supper for them. They even insist on Mr. Hardcastle to show them the place where the food is kept in the house. Meanwhile Mr. Hardcastle is wondering whether he is a good husband for his daughter or not.
Moreover, the two gentlemen still continue their impudent behaviors to Mr. Hardcastle, when they want Mr. Hardcastle to show them their rooms. Mr. Hardcastle who realizes that both of his guests are tired, suggests them to leave all their business to him and he does not want them to trouble themselves. Marlow and Hastings feel disturbed with Mr. Hardcastle's action because they think the man interferes too much.
From the descriptions above, it can be noticed that all the characters do not realize that Tony Lumpkin successfully tricks them.
MARLOW'S MISUNDERSTANDING TOWARD MISS KATE HARDCASTLE'S BEHAVIOR
Before taking a further discussion of Marlow's misunderstanding toward Miss Kate Hardcastle's behavior, it is better to clarify the word ‘behavior'. Victoria Neufeldt stresses that behavior is the way a person behaves or acts (1997:126). It explains the manner in which a person behaves in reacting to something.
In the meantime, Marlow has got the room for him to take a rest. He thinks that he receives strange treatments from all the members of the family. First, the host of the inn and his wife always accompany him wherever he wants to go in the house; second, they even talk of having supper with him and the last is he thinks that he will have to meet the rest of the family too.
Accidentally, Hastings meets with his lover, Miss Constance Neville in the house and she tells him the place they consider as the inn is actually Mr. Hardcastle's house. Then, Hastings who has already known the truth about the house does not tell Marlow who is the owner of the house in order to deceive him. He sets the meeting between Miss Kate Hardcastle and his friend, Marlow, in the house. He tells Marlow that both of the ladies happen to dine close by and stop at the inn on their return to fetch fresh horses.
Once again Marlow feels very nervous about the meeting that will be held. Eventhough he is an educated man, he has never made a close relationship with a woman of his own social class except his mother. This situation happens since his life has chiefly been spent at the university, or at an inn, away from women of his own social class. He insists that he has to change his dress into good order before the meeting and suggests Hastings to delay the meeting until the next day. On the other hand, Hastings is disappointed and he insists on confronting them that day.
Hastings : Well, but wasn't it the most fortunate thing in the world?
Marlow : Yes, yes, fortunate indeed. But our dresses, George, they are not in good order, they are untidy. Why should we not wait until tomorrow? Tomorrow, at her house-it will be just as convenient and rather more respectful. Let it be tomorrow. (He starts to go out.)
Miss Neville : Not at all, sir. It will not please Miss Hardcastle to see you so formal. That your dress is disordered will show how impatient you are to see the lady. Besides, she knows that you are in the house and will permit you to see her.
Marlow : Oh dear, dear! What shall I do? Hem! Hem! Hastings, you must not go. You are to help me, you know. I shall feel perfectly ridiculous. Yet I must take courage! Really! Hem!
(ACT II: 27)
Meanwhile, Miss Hardcastle has returned from walking. Hastings introduces her to Marlow. At first, the conversation between the two persons runs smoothly, eventhough Marlow dares not to look at her face directly. Hastings and Miss Neville are fond of the situation they create between the couples and finally they agree to leave the two persons alone.
Hastings (To Marlow.) : Well done. Well done. You have never spoken so well in your whole life. Well. Miss Hardcastle, I see that you and Mr. Marlow are enjoying yourselves very much, and so I will leave you alone.
Marlow : Not at all, Mr. Hastings. We like to have your company. (To him.) George, George, you can't go and leave me!
Hastings : We shall spoil your conversation if we remain. (To him.) You don't seem to know that I wish to be alone with Miss Neville.
(ACT II: 30)
Based on the quotations mentioned above, it proves that Marlow is less confident without the presence of his friend, Hastings, with him. He asks Hastings to accompany him during the conversation with Miss Hardcastle, but Hastings refuses him.
After Hastings and Miss Neville go out, the conversations between the two persons become awkward. Marlow often speaks haltingly but Miss Hardcastle always helps him to continue his explanation on something he is talking about. Meanwhile, Marlow worries that he has made the lady tired and soon he goes out leaving the room immediately after he hears Miss Neville calling on them from the next room. Meanwhile, Miss Hardcastle is certain that the young man never looked at her face at all during their conversation and she believes the young man is a very shy gentleman indeed.
Miss Hardcastle : Mr. Marlow. His shyness struck me the moment I met him.
Hardcastle : Then you were deceived, for I have never before been so struck by anyone's impudence.
Miss Hardcastle : Surely, sir, you are joking. I never saw anyone so modest.
Hardcastle : And can you be serious? I never saw such a noisy, rude puppy since I was born.
(ACT III: 38)
From the quotation above, it can be noticed that there are different opinions between Mr. Hardcastle and his daughter about Marlow's attitude. Hardcastle feels quite sure that the young man is impudent enough and he does not have any respect at all toward his father-in-law to be. Miss Hardcastle, however, she has the opposite opinion about Marlow's character, she sees good qualities in Marlow‘s action eventhough he is a very shy gentleman. They continue their quarrels because every one of them having their own opinion of Marlow.
Finally, Miss Hardcastle's maid tells her the true information about Marlow's impudent actions in the house. She blames her brother's foolish action toward Marlow telling him that their house was an inn. Realizing Marlow's mistake toward her house and her father, Miss Hardcastle plans to deceive him in order to find out what his true character is like rather than makes him aware of his stupidity in the house. She remembers the moment when she met him; the young man never looked at her face at all. She takes advantage of his unawareness to act as a barmaid in the house.
Miss Hardcastle : What an extraordinary creature that brother of mine is, to tell them that this house was an inn. I am not surprised that Mr. Marlow was impudent.
Maid : And, Madam, when you passed by wearing this dress, he asked me if you were the barmaid.
Miss Hardcastle : Did he? Then I will let him continue to think so.
(ACT III: 45)
Miss Hardcastle often wears a country dress that her father insists on her to put on every evening in her house. Her maid has told her that Marlow has mistaken her for the barmaid when she passes by wearing her present dress in the house. She intends to continue her plan to deceive Marlow by pretending to be a barmaid.
Meanwhile, Marlow is still grumbling about all kinds of treatments he receives from the entire family. He does not realize Miss Hardcastle who pretends to be a barmaid is near to him at that moment. He also complains about Miss Hardcastle's behavior that he considers her as a serious girl and he also thinks the girl is having eyes problem. He decides to leave the house immediately after all what happened to him. He cancels his intention after seeing the barmaid who attracts him and he starts to tease her.
Marlow : Really, child, you are most unkind to me. If you will not let me come closer, how can we ever know each other well?
Miss Hardcastle : And who wants to know you well? Not I. I am sore that you did not behave to Miss Hardcastle that was here a little while ago in this manner. I am sure that, with her, you were shy and awkward, and kept bowing to the ground as you talked.
Marlow (Aside.) : She is right indeed. (To her.) Shy, child? Ha! ha! ha! Why, she squints! I find that you don't know me. I laughed and teased her a little, but I was unwilling to be too severe. No, I could not be to severe.
(ACT III: 48)
The quotation above proves that Marlow is more confident when he deals with woman from lower class rather than with his own class. At this moment, he mistakes Miss Kate Hardcastle for a barmaid. Marlow dares to make a move to approach the lady, which he considers as a barmaid. He can also communicate very well with her without having any nervousness unlike the moment when he met with Miss Hardcastle.
(ACT III: 48-49)
Hardcastle : Sir, you are my guests; you have a right to command here. Here, Roger, bring us the bill of fare for tonight's supper. I believe, that it has been written out.
(ACT II: 22-23)
The quotation above shows the major character's impudent attitudes toward Mr. Hardcastle that makes him ruin his own reputation toward the whole family.
The other humorous misunderstanding is the major character's misunderstanding toward his prospective wife. Based on the previous discussion, it is shown that he considers his prospective wife as the barmaid and also as a poor relation of the family. The situation, however, makes his prospective wife know the real character of the man that has been chosen for her husband by her father.
Marlow (Aside) : I am really delighted with her simplicity. I must try and leave before I grow too fond of her. (To her.) If I could choose for myself, I should choose you. But how can I do that? I owe too much to the opinion of the world, too much to the authority of my father so that I can scarcely speak of it. Good-bye. (He goes out.)
Miss Hardcastle : I never realized before what a fine man he is. He shall not go, if I can possibly keep him here. I'll still keep the character in which I Stooped to Conquer, but I will tell my father, who will be very amused by the whole business.
(ACT IV: 58)
Humorous misunderstandings become the central idea that supports the whole story of the play. The author stresses the misunderstandings of the major character toward his prospective wife and also her family. From the beginning to the end the author tells much about the major character's misunderstandings toward them but finally it all ends with a happy resolution.
CONCLUSION
A great number of literary works such as novel, poetry and drama have many things to offer. Drama delineates human's life expresses through the actions and dialogues of the characters within an attractive performance. There are three kinds of drama namely tragedy, comedy and tragic-comedy. Comedy presents the movement of the characters in mirthful way and it is full of funny things. In comedy it also ends with happiness and joyous experience.
In She Stoops to Conquer, Oliver Goldsmith not only shows its funny and humorous actions of the characters, but also some complicated problems that are faced by the major character in the play, Charles Marlow. Those problems are added by miscommunication, misunderstandings, mistaken identities and errors in judgment. In this play misunderstanding, especially which deals with funny actions takes an important role leading to the theme.
Misunderstanding can happen to everyone. It happens to human beings in daily life as a reflection of their true characteristics, that is fault and imperfection. Everybody cannot avoid misunderstandings because as a member of social being; they have to make contact with others.
The theme in Oliver Goldsmith's play, She Stoops to Conquer is humorous misunderstandings. It can establish the story of the play and explains the action of the characters. The theme gives emphasis to the major character's misunderstandings towards the whole family of his prospective wife. These misunderstandings provide ridicule manners and funny actions toward the characters, especially Charles Marlow, who comes to the country to win the Hardcastle's pretty daughter, Kate. He is involved in a humorous situation about his attitude towards the Hardcastle'. Furthermore, it makes him labeled as an impudent young man, which is different from the description that they have received about him before. Those situations confuse them temporarily, until all the people realize that there are some misunderstandings that happen between them. Finally, they are able to settle their problems and it all ends happily with the marriage.
She Stoops to Conquer gives a moral message to its readers. Generally, the play states that society in particular is too quick to judge people or places only on their appearances. Specifically, the story tells us that misunderstanding can be the humorous matter when misjudgment takes place.
Thus, in short, we can conclude that humorous misunderstandings become the central idea of the play and finally the main character is at last able to overcome the situation very well.
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