In Thornton Wilder's play "The Matchmaker," the character Dolly Gallagher Levi is a professional matchmaker and is tasked with finding a match for the wealthy merchant, Horace Vandergelder. However, throughout the play, Dolly is also trying to find a match for herself and ends up falling in love with Vandergelder.
Dolly is a strong and determined woman who is not afraid to speak her mind. She is witty and clever, often using humor to deflect any criticism or negativity directed towards her. Despite being a professional matchmaker, Dolly has struggled in her own love life and is determined to find a husband for herself.
Vandergelder, on the other hand, is a wealthy merchant who is set in his ways and resistant to change. He is determined to find a wife who will be a domestic partner and help him manage his household, but he is unwilling to consider any woman who does not meet his rigid criteria.
Despite their differences, Dolly and Vandergelder are drawn to each other and eventually fall in love. However, their relationship is not without its challenges, as Vandergelder must learn to let go of his rigid expectations and Dolly must learn to compromise.
Ultimately, "The Matchmaker" is a story about the importance of love and the transformative power it can have on our lives. Through the relationship between Dolly and Vandergelder, Wilder demonstrates that love can bring about personal growth and a willingness to change for the better. The play also highlights the importance of communication and understanding in relationships, as Dolly and Vandergelder must learn to listen to and understand each other in order for their relationship to thrive.
In conclusion, "The Matchmaker" is a charming and heartwarming story about the power of love and the transformative effects it can have on our lives. Through the characters of Dolly and Vandergelder, Wilder offers a poignant reminder of the importance of communication and understanding in relationships and the need to let go of our preconceived notions and expectations.