Verses in Reply to an Invitation to Dinner at Dr

Name: Verses in Reply to an Invitation to Dinner at Dr. Baker'S
Author: Oliver Goldsmith

The poem is a humorous response to a dinner invitation, showcasing the speaker's reluctance and playful sarcasm. The speaker expresses frustration over the late notice of the invitation, suggesting that proper etiquette would have dictated an earlier communication. The speaker humorously details their current state, including neglecting personal grooming and attire, which adds to the comedic tone. The speaker addresses a group of friends and acquaintances, listing them by name, which emphasizes the social circle and the camaraderie among them. The mention of specific individuals, such as Horneck, Nesbitt, and the Jessamy Bride, creates a vivid picture of the social dynamics at play. The speaker's tone oscillates between jest and mock indignation, reflecting a light-hearted critique of social norms and expectations. As the poem progresses, the speaker digresses into a whimsical anecdote about a recent military order regarding the length of tails for foot guards, which serves as a metaphor for the absurdity of societal conventions. This digression highlights the speaker's wit and ability to weave humor into commentary on social issues. Ultimately, the poem captures the essence of friendship, the trivialities of social gatherings, and the humorous frustrations that accompany them. The speaker's refusal to attend the dinner, while cloaked in jest, underscores a deeper commentary on the nature of social obligations and the importance of timing in communication. The playful tone and clever wordplay make the poem an engaging exploration of social interactions and the quirks of human behavior.

By Oliver Goldsmith · First published 1773 · Genre: Poetry, Satire, Humor · 414 words

First lines

‘This _is_ a poem! This _is_ a copy of verses! '

YOUR mandate I got, You may all go to pot; Had your senses been right, You'd have sent before night; As I hope to be saved, I put off being shaved; For I could not make bold, While the matter was cold, To meddle in suds, Or to put on my duds; So tell Horneck and Nesbitt, And Baker and his bit, And Kauffmann beside, And the Jessamy Bride, With the rest of the crew, The Reynoldses two, Little Comedy's face, And the Captain in lace, (By-the-bye you may tell him, I have something to sell him; Of use I insist, When he comes to enlist.

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Verses in Reply to an Invitation to Dinner at Dr. Baker'S 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: Poetry, Satire, Humor, Epistolary, Social Commentary
Length: 414 words
Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)

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Similar titles

Genres

Poetry — The work is primarily a poem, characterized by its use of verse and rhyme.
Satire — The poem critiques social norms and behaviors, particularly in the context of a dinner invitation.
Humor — The tone and content exhibit a humorous approach to the subject matter, using wit and playful language.
Epistolary — The poem takes the form of a response to an invitation, resembling a letter or message.