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