Retaliation. a Poem

Name: Retaliation. a Poem
Author: Oliver Goldsmith

The poem presents a satirical and humorous eulogy, celebrating the lives and personalities of various notable figures from the author's social circle. It employs a banquet metaphor, where each guest represents a different dish, symbolizing their unique traits and contributions. The speaker reflects on the deceased, blending admiration with playful critique, revealing their strengths and weaknesses. The poem begins with a lively invitation to a feast, where each guest is likened to a specific food item, showcasing their characteristics. The speaker humorously assigns roles to friends, highlighting their talents and quirks. As the poem progresses, it transitions into a series of epitaphs, each dedicated to a different individual, capturing their essence through witty observations. The deceased include a mix of intellectuals, artists, and personalities, each portrayed with a blend of affection and irony. The good Dean is remembered for his wisdom and mirth, while another figure is critiqued for his political ambitions that fell short. The poem continues to explore the complexities of each character, from the honest yet flawed William to the spirited Richard, whose lively nature is missed by his friends. The speaker also addresses the artistic contributions of figures like Cumberland and Garrick, praising their talents while acknowledging their imperfections. The tone remains light-hearted, even as it touches on deeper themes of mortality and legacy. The poem concludes with a reflection on the nature of wit and humor, emphasizing the importance of camaraderie and the shared experiences that define their relationships. Overall, the work serves as both a tribute and a critique, blending humor with poignant reflections on friendship, art, and the human condition. It captures the essence of a bygone era, celebrating the vibrancy of life while acknowledging the inevitability of death.

By Oliver Goldsmith · First published 1774 · Genre: Poetry, Satire, Elegy · 2,383 words

First lines

OF old, when Scarron his companions invited, Each guest brought his dish, and the feast was united; If our landlord supplies us with beef, and with fish, Let each guest bring himself, and he brings the best dish: Our Dean shall be venison, just fresh from the plains; Our Burke shall be tongue, with a garnish of brains; Our Will shall be wild-fowl, of excellent flavour, And Dick with his pepper shall heighten their savour: Our Cumberland's sweet-bread its place shall obtain, And Douglas is pudding, substantial and plain: Our Garrick's a salad; for in him we see Oil, vinegar, sugar, and saltness agree: To make out the dinner, full certain I am, That Ridge is anchovy, and Reynolds is lamb; That Hickey's a capon, and by the same rule, Magnanimous Goldsmith a gooseberry fool. At a dinner so various, at such a repast, Who'd not be a glutton, and stick to the last? Here, waiter! more wine, let me sit while I'm able, Till all my companions sink under the table; Then, with chaos and blunders encircling my head, Let me ponder, and tell what I think of the dead.

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Retaliation. a Poem is listed on Textopian as a poem by Oliver Goldsmith, dated 1774 CE.

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Work type: Poem
Author: Oliver Goldsmith
Date: 1774 CE
Language: English
Genres: Poetry, Satire, Elegy, Humor, Social Commentary
Length: 2,383 words
Structure: 1 section, 16 paragraphs
Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)

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Genres

Poetry — The work is a poem, utilizing verse and meter to convey its themes and emotions.
Satire — The poem critiques societal norms and individuals through humor and irony, targeting various figures in a satirical manner.
Elegy — The poem serves as a tribute to deceased individuals, reflecting on their lives and legacies.
Humor — The poem employs wit and comedic elements to entertain while delivering its messages.