Epilogue to "The Good Natured Man"

Name: Epilogue to "The Good Natured Man"
Author: Oliver Goldsmith

The epilogue serves as a commentary on the challenges faced by playwrights in securing support and recognition for their work. The speaker reflects on the necessity of an epilogue, likening it to a remedy that makes the audience more receptive to the play. Various characters, including fellow writers and a doctor, are approached for assistance but ultimately decline, citing their own commitments or lack of interest. This highlights the isolation of the playwright, who, despite encouragement from friends, finds himself alone in the task of concluding the performance. The imagery of a struggling individual at the theater door, seeking entry while his friends enjoy the show inside, underscores the theme of social dynamics and the often unreciprocated nature of support in the arts. The friends' superficial gestures of camaraderie contrast sharply with their unwillingness to help, illustrating the fickle nature of public approval and the loneliness of the creative process. Ultimately, the speaker resolves to face the audience without assistance, embracing the role of the "Good Natur'd Man," who accepts criticism with grace and humor. This acceptance of vulnerability and the willingness to engage with the audience, regardless of their reception, encapsulates the essence of the work. The epilogue reinforces the idea that the true measure of a playwright lies not in the applause but in the courage to present their art amidst uncertainty and potential ridicule.

By Oliver Goldsmith · First published 1773 · Genre: Comedy, Drama, Satire · 463 words

First lines

As puffing quacks some caitiff wretch procure To swear the pill, or drop, has wrought a cure; Thus on the stage, our play-wrights still depend For Epilogues and Prologues on some friend, Who knows each art of coaxing up the town, And make full many a bitter pill go down. Conscious of this, our bard has gone about, And teas'd each rhyming friend to help him out. ‘An Epilogue-things can't go on without it; It could not fail, would you but set about it. ' ‘Young man,' cries one-a bard laid up in clover- ‘Alas, young man, my writing days are over; Let boys play tricks, and kick the straw; not I: Your brother Doctor there, perhaps, may try. ' ‘What I? dear Sir,' the Doctor interposes ‘What plant my thistle, Sir, among his roses! No, no; I've other contests to maintain; To-night I head our troops at Warwick Lane: Go, ask your manager. ' ‘Who, me? Your pardon; Those things are not our forte at Covent Garden.'

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Epilogue to "The Good Natured Man" is listed on Textopian as a poem by Oliver Goldsmith, dated 1773 CE.

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Work type: Poem
Author: Oliver Goldsmith
Date: 1773 CE
Language: English
Genres: Comedy, Drama, Satire, Poetry, Literary Criticism
Length: 463 words
Structure: 1 section, 2 paragraphs
Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)

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Genres

Comedy — The work employs humor and satire to critique societal norms and the theatrical profession.
Drama — It is a theatrical epilogue that reflects on the challenges faced by playwrights and actors in a dramatic context.
Satire — The text satirizes the pretensions of playwrights and the fickle nature of public opinion.
Poetry — The work is written in verse, showcasing poetic elements and structure.