Question : Essay-type
“Miss Neville is a foil to Miss Hardcastle.” Do you agree?
Introduction
In Goldsmith’s play ‘She Stoops to Conquer’ the character of Miss Hardcastle stands in sharp contrast with that of her cousin, Miss Neville. The former is a sensible, shrewd and resourceful girl who makes a lasting impression on our minds. Miss Neville, on the other hand, is altogether a pale and colourless creation who dwindles into insignificance by the side of her more brilliant cousin.
Contrast In Their Love-affair
The contrast between the two comes out beautifully in their love-affair. Miss Hardcastle is a quick, sensible girl who in the matter of the choice of her husband is given a free hand by her father. Though Mr Marlow has been pitched upon her as future husband, the father is determined not to control her choice in any way. He has perfect confidence in his daughter, and the confidence is amply justified by the manner in which she tests her suitor. Miss Hardcastle is a shrewd judge of human character. She will see for herself what kind of a man Mr Marlow is though she has heard reports, both favourable and unfavorable about him. From the few halting remarks of Marlow in the first serious and sentimental interview she concludes that the gentleman lacks assurance, but he is not altogether an unpromising lover. She decides to stoop to conquer the bashful lover, and her device is justified by the end. In this matter, Miss Hardcastle shows an intelligence and resourcefulness which appear quite amazing when we remember her age. Her vivacity and wit, her calm of mind and her tact in dealing with a difficult situation are all brought in the incident.
Miss Neville, on the other hand, is not a passionate and warm lover. Hastings loves her, and after the chance meeting in the supposed inn he wants her to elope with him like a romantic lover. But Miss Neville’s incurable love of money stands in the way. She cannot part with her jewels which are in the possession of her aunt. She tells her lover, “In the moment of passion fortune may be despised, but it produces a lasting repentance.” Her worldly wisdom gets the better of her passion. She is an average type of cool, world-wise, sensible girl, who prefers marriage in a humdrum way.
Contrast In Charm And Attractiveness
In charm and attractiveness too Miss Neville seems to be inferior to Miss Hardcastle. While we find that Marlow is bewitched by Miss Hardcastle’s beauty, Miss Neville has scarcely any beauty to attract Tony, who prefers a country beauty to his refined cousin.
Conclusion
The two girls in the play are studies in contrast. Miss Hardcastle has more wit, vivacity and resourcefulness qualities which make her loveable to the readers. Miss Neville, on the other hand, is a rather commonplace girl, a foil to Miss Hardcastle with nothing remarkable about her.
