First performed in 1773, the play is a classic 18th century English comedy of manners, or laughing comedy. Accordingly, it contains many of the typical features of the genre, with its mocking of contemporary social conventions, its realistic subject matter, and its use of "low" comedy chief among these. Above all, the genre just seeks to make its audience laugh. The content is meant to be light-hearted and relatable for its audience, with the play’s domestic plot featuring fittingly down-to-earth characters. The tension set up between the pretensions of those who live in the city and the country provides much of the play’s satire, with Goldsmith mocking the affectations of both in a playful manner that is meant to amuse the audience.
The play’s plot also conforms to the traditions of the genre, with the action taking place largely in one setting and, apparently, over the course of one day. Such scale is typical of a comedy of manners and also speaks to the intended small scale of the subject matter, with the play’s central conflict intentionally low-stakes and provincial.
The comedy genre of the play is particularly important to consider in light of Goldsmith’s strong opinions on the genre and his explicit intention with She Stoops to Conquer to rehabilitate the laughing comedy. As set out in “An Essay on the Theatre” (an essay by Goldsmith published shortly before the release of the play) and referenced in the play’s prologue, Goldsmith disparaged the rising popularity of the sentimental comedy, believing contemporary audiences’ demands for moralism and high emotions in comedies were killing the essence of the genre. Indeed, Goldsmith’s previous comedy had proven a commercial flop and his reputation had taken a hit. Determined to revive the genre, and his own status, Goldsmith boldly presents this work as a laughing comedy, free of high sentiment and simply a celebration of jest and folly.
