Let School-Masters Puzzle their Brain

Name: Let School-Masters Puzzle their Brain
Author: Oliver Goldsmith

The work presents a satirical commentary on the pretensions of academia and the value of simple pleasures over intellectual pursuits. It begins by dismissing the complexities of grammar and classical learning, suggesting that true understanding comes from enjoying good liquor. The speaker critiques the self-importance of scholars and their esoteric knowledge, likening them to "pigeons"—a metaphor for their perceived foolishness. The poem continues to mock religious figures, particularly Methodist preachers, asserting that they are hypocritical in their condemnation of drinking, as they preach more effectively when intoxicated. This highlights a theme of hypocrisy in moral teachings, suggesting that those who preach against vice may not practice what they preach. The refrain encourages camaraderie and revelry, advocating for a life filled with joy and merriment rather than one burdened by the weight of scholarly pursuits or religious dogma. The speaker invites others to join in celebrating the pleasures of life, particularly through drinking and socializing, symbolized by the "Three Jolly Pigeons," a metaphorical tavern or gathering place. Overall, the work champions a hedonistic philosophy, valuing enjoyment and fellowship over the rigid structures of education and morality. It critiques societal norms that prioritize intellectualism and piety, promoting instead a more liberated and joyous approach to life.

By Oliver Goldsmith · First published 1765 · Genre: Satire, Lyric Poetry, Comedy · 303 words

First lines

FROM ‘SHE STOOPS TO CONQUER'

LET school-masters puzzle their brain, With grammar, and nonsense, and learning; Good liquor, I stoutly maintain, Gives ‘genus' a better discerning. Let them brag of their heathenish gods, Their Lethes, their Styxes, and Stygians: Their Quis, and their Quaes, and their Quods, They're all but a parcel of Pigeons. Toroddle, toroddle, toroll.

What this Textopian page supports

Let School-Masters Puzzle their Brain is listed on Textopian as a poem by Oliver Goldsmith, dated 1765 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

Work type: Poem
Author: Oliver Goldsmith
Date: 1765 CE
Language: English
Genres: Satire, Lyric Poetry, Comedy, Social Commentary, Narrative Poetry
Length: 303 words
Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)

Good citation fit

Work identity for Let School-Masters Puzzle their Brain by Oliver Goldsmith
Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
Readability and classroom-planning context
Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph

Discussion starters

What should a reader notice first when entering Let School-Masters Puzzle their Brain?
How does this poem by Oliver Goldsmith fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
Where does Satire first become important in the reading?

Similar titles

Genres

Satire — The poem critiques educational practices and societal norms, using humor and irony to convey its message.
Lyric Poetry — The work expresses personal feelings and thoughts, particularly about drinking and merriment, characteristic of lyric poetry.
Comedy — The light-hearted tone and humorous content align with comedic elements, focusing on the absurdity of certain beliefs.
Social Commentary — The poem comments on social issues such as religion and education, reflecting the author's views on these topics.