The Gift to Iris, in Bow Street, Convent Garden

Name: The Gift to Iris, in Bow Street, Convent Garden
Author: Oliver Goldsmith

The poem explores the speaker's complex feelings towards a beautiful but mercenary woman named Iris. The speaker contemplates what gift would adequately express his devotion, questioning whether material offerings would be valued by someone who seems indifferent to the giver. He dismisses conventional gifts like jewelry or flowers, suggesting that such items symbolize fleeting emotions rather than genuine affection. Instead, he proposes a more profound, albeit sarcastic, gift: a rejection of his own feelings, indicating a struggle between desire and disillusionment. The tone oscillates between admiration and frustration, ultimately revealing the speaker's awareness of the superficiality in their relationship. The work critiques the transactional nature of romantic gestures and highlights the tension between true sentiment and societal expectations.

By Oliver Goldsmith · First published 1766 · Genre: Poetry, Romanticism, Satire · 190 words

First lines

SAY, cruel IRIS, pretty rake, Dear mercenary beauty, What annual offering shall I make, Expressive of my duty?

My heart, a victim to thine eyes, Should I at once deliver, Say, would the angry fair one prize The gift, who slights the giver?

A bill, a jewel, watch, or toy, My rivals give-and let 'em; If gems, or gold, impart a joy, I'll give them-when I get 'em.

I'll give-but not the full-blown rose, Or rose-bud more in fashion; Such short-liv'd offerings but disclose A transitory passion.

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The Gift to Iris, in Bow Street, Convent Garden is listed on Textopian as a poem by Oliver Goldsmith, dated 1766 CE.

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Work type: Poem
Author: Oliver Goldsmith
Date: 1766 CE
Language: English
Genres: Poetry, Romanticism, Satire, Lyric, Humor
Length: 190 words
Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

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Genres

Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing rhyme and meter typical of poetry.
Romanticism — Themes of love, beauty, and emotional expression are central to the poem.
Satire — The poem critiques societal norms regarding love and materialism.
Lyric — The poem expresses personal feelings and thoughts of the speaker.