A New Simile, in the Manner of Swift

Name: A New Simile, in the Manner of Swift
Author: Oliver Goldsmith

The work critiques contemporary writers by employing a satirical simile comparing them to the Roman god Mercury. The narrator expresses frustration in finding an apt comparison for modern authors, who are characterized by their superficial wit and lack of depth. The description of Mercury, particularly his winged hat and feet, symbolizes the lightness and flightiness of modern poetry, suggesting that these writers lack substantial intellectual weight. The narrator highlights Mercury's caduceus, a wand associated with sleep-inducing properties, paralleling it with the modern author's pen. This comparison implies that contemporary writing lulls readers into a state of ignorance or apathy, much like the effects of a narcotic. The serpents entwined around the wand symbolize the venomous nature of modern writing, which is filled with rage and frothy slaver, further emphasizing the negative impact of such literature. The work concludes with a reflection on the shared flaws of modern poets, likening them to thieves, akin to Mercury's own reputation for stealing. The narrator's disdain for the current literary landscape culminates in a stark dismissal of these writers as lacking substance, equating them to "senseless stones and blocks." The overall tone is one of sharp criticism, using humor and classical references to underscore the perceived decline in literary quality.

By Oliver Goldsmith · First published 1761 · Genre: Satire, Poetry, Literary Criticism · 677 words

First lines

LONG had I sought in vain to find A likeness for the scribbling kind; The modern scribbling kind, who write In wit, and sense, and nature's spite: Till reading, I forget what day on, A chapter out of Tooke's Pantheon, I think I met with something there, To suit my purpose to a hair; But let us not proceed too furious, First please to turn to god Mercurius; You'll find him pictur'd at full length In book the second, page the tenth: The stress of all my proofs on him I lay, And now proceed we to our simile.

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A New Simile, in the Manner of Swift is listed on Textopian as a poem by Oliver Goldsmith, dated 1761 CE.

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Work type: Poem
Author: Oliver Goldsmith
Date: 1761 CE
Language: English
Genres: Satire, Poetry, Literary Criticism, Allegory, Humor
Length: 677 words
Structure: 1 section, 6 paragraphs
Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)

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Similar titles

Genres

Satire — The work critiques modern poets and their writing style, employing humor and irony to expose flaws.
Poetry — The text is structured in verse, utilizing rhyme and meter typical of poetic forms.
Literary Criticism — The piece analyzes and comments on the characteristics of contemporary writers, reflecting on their literary practices.
Allegory — The use of Mercury as a symbol represents the qualities of modern authors, conveying deeper meanings through metaphor.