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Parody
Definition of Satire
Satire is the use of humor, irony, sarcasm, or ridicule to criticize something or someone. Public figures, such as politicians, are often the subject of satire, but satirists can take... read full definition
Satire is the use of humor, irony, sarcasm, or ridicule to criticize something or someone. Public figures, such as politicians, are often the subject of... read full definition
Satire is the use of humor, irony, sarcasm, or ridicule to criticize something or someone. Public figures, such as politicians... read full definition
Act 3
Explanation and Analysis—Hypocrisy:
Goldsmith repeatedly uses satire in She Stoops to Conquer by poking fun at the characters in a way that mocks contemporary society and its follies. However, the intentional relatability of the characters, with the play taking domestic, everyday life for its subject matter, means this satire is double-edged, with Goldsmith simultaneously poking fun at his own audience. In this way, Goldsmith cleverly unveils society’s central hypocrisy, meaning that when the audience laughs at the characters, they're admitting their own follies, too.
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Act 4
Explanation and Analysis—Constance and Tony :
Constance and Tony use hyperbole in their flirting in front of Mrs Hardcastle to mock sentimental romantic cliches and to emphasize the fact that their flirting is a pretense. In this way, Goldsmith uses hyperbole in conjunction with dramatic irony to create comedy, with the audience knowing Tony and Constance are not in love while Mrs Hardcastle believes they are. In Act 4, just as Tony and Constance are discussing their plans to ensure Constance can run away with Hastings, Mrs Hardcastle enters:
Unlock with LitCharts A+MISS NEVILLE. Agreeable cousin! Who can help admiring that natural humour, that pleasant, broad, red, thoughtless (patting his cheek)—ah! it’s a bold face.
MRS. HARDCASTLE. Pretty innocence!
TONY. I’m sure I always loved cousin Con.’s hazle eyes, and her pretty long fingers, that she twists this way and that over the haspicholls, like a parcel of bobbins.
MRS. HARDCASTLE. Ah! he would charm the bird from the tree.
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