Description of an Author's Bedchamber

Name: Description of an Author's Bedchamber
Author: Oliver Goldsmith

The poem presents a vivid depiction of an author's humble and disheveled living space, characterized by a sense of neglect and poverty. The setting is a room in a tavern, where the author finds solace from the outside world. The imagery conveys a stark contrast between the lively atmosphere of the tavern and the author's solitary existence. The room is described with specific details: a window patched with paper allows a dim light to enter, illuminating the disarray within. The floor is sandy and gritty, and the walls are adorned with cheap, trivial decorations, including a game board and framed images that reflect a lack of sophistication. The presence of a rusty grate without a fire emphasizes the coldness and discomfort of the environment. The author’s state of being is further illustrated through his attire—a nightcap instead of a laurel wreath, symbolizing a lack of recognition or success. The mention of cracked teacups and a frieze marked by beer and milk stains suggests a life of modest means and perhaps a struggle with alcohol. Overall, the work captures the essence of an artist's life marked by isolation, poverty, and a yearning for warmth and comfort, while also hinting at the resilience of the creative spirit amidst such circumstances. The tone blends humor with melancholy, reflecting on the often overlooked realities faced by writers and artists.

By Oliver Goldsmith · First published 1762 · Genre: Satire, Poetry, Social Commentary · 253 words

First lines

WHERE the Red Lion flaring o'er the way, Invites each passing stranger that can pay; Where Calvert's butt, and Parsons' black champagne, Regale the drabs and bloods of Drury-lane; There in a lonely room, from bailiffs snug, The Muse found Scroggen stretch'd beneath a rug; A window, patch'd with paper, lent a ray, That dimly show'd the state in which he lay; The sanded floor that grits beneath the tread; The humid wall with paltry pictures spread: The royal game of goose was there in view, And the twelve rules the royal martyr drew; The seasons, fram'd with listing, found a place, And brave prince William show'd his lamp-black face: The morn was cold, he views with keen desire The rusty grate unconscious of a fire; With beer and milk arrears the frieze was scor'd, And five crack'd teacups dress'd the chimney board; A nightcap deck'd his brows instead of bay, A cap by night-a stocking all the day!

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Description of an Author's Bedchamber is listed on Textopian as a poem by Oliver Goldsmith, dated 1762 CE.

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Work type: Poem
Author: Oliver Goldsmith
Date: 1762 CE
Language: English
Genres: Satire, Poetry, Social Commentary, Character Study, Humor
Length: 253 words
Structure: 1 section, 1 paragraphs
Reading fit: Very Confusing

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Similar titles

Genres

Satire — The poem critiques social norms and the literary world, using humor and irony.
Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing poetic devices and structure.
Social Commentary — It reflects on the conditions of society and the lives of its characters.
Character Study — The focus on the character Scroggen provides insight into individual experiences and traits.