Oliver Goldsmith: A Multifaceted Literary Luminary

In this episode of In Our Time hosted by Melvyn Bragg, the renowned Irish writer Oliver Goldsmith (1728–1774) is celebrated for his diverse contributions to poetry, drama, novels, history, and science writing. Joined by experts David O'Shaughnessy, Judith Hawley, and Michael Griffin, the discussion delves deep into Goldsmith's life, works, and enduring legacy.

Early Life and Education

Oliver Goldsmith was born on November 10, 1728, in the Midlands of Ireland into a large clerical family. As the second son of Reverend Charles Goldsmith and Anne Jones, Oliver was the fifth of eight children. His early education was inconsistent; his first teacher, Elizabeth de Lapp, recognized his poetic potential but noted his lack of diligence (Griffin, [01:52]). A pivotal moment in his childhood occurred when he was severely disfigured by smallpox around the age of eight or nine, a condition that marred his facial features and subjected him to unkind remarks throughout his life.

Goldsmith pursued higher education at Trinity College Dublin from 1745 to 1750, graduating with a BA. Despite aspirations to become a lawyer, financial mismanagement forced him to abandon this path, leading him to study medicine in Edinburgh and Leiden between 1752 and 1754.

Grub Street and Literary Beginnings

Upon arriving in London in 1756, Goldsmith entered the notorious Grub Street, a hub for writers and publishers known for its literary sweatshops. Judith Hawley explains that Grub Street was both a place of ephemeral publications and a breeding ground for versatile writers:

"Grub Street gained a reputation as basically a kind of literary sweatshop... writers for hire, often in the attics of publishers' houses" ([04:52]).

Goldsmith's initial foray into writing involved working for Ralph Griffiths at the Monthly Review, Britain’s pioneering book review journal. Although he found the work tedious, it provided him access to the latest literary works and honed his critical skills. Dissatisfied with the drudgery, Goldsmith later joined Smollett's Critical Review, leveraging his reputation to publish incisive critiques, such as his review of Edmund Burke's exploration of the sublime ([07:01]).

Major Literary Works

Goldsmith's oeuvre is marked by significant achievements across multiple genres:

1. The Deserted Village (1770):

   • Michael Griffin praises this poem as "probably one of the best pieces of poetry of the century" ([13:07]).
   • Written in heroic couplets, the 430-line poem juxtaposes pastoral nostalgia with a critique of economic forces leading to rural depopulation.
   • Notable passage:

     "Beyond yon straggling fence that skirts the way with blossomed firs
     Unprofitably gay. There in his noisy mansion
     Skilled to rule the village master..." ([14:11]).

2. The Vicar of Wakefield (1766):

   • Described by Judith Hawley as a "moral fable," this work follows the Primrose family through a series of misfortunes and their eventual restoration ([24:49]).
   • Celebrated for its clarity of style and warm-hearted portrayal of a family, it became a staple in English literature education worldwide.

3. She Stoops to Conquer (1773):

   • David O'Shaughnessy highlights the play's convoluted yet charming plot, focusing on mistaken identities and romantic entanglements ([29:35]).
   • The play was revolutionary for its time, blending Restoration wit with sentimental warmth, and enjoyed remarkable success, including multiple benefit performances and widespread publication ([33:45]).

4. Historical and Scientific Writings:

   • Goldsmith authored comprehensive histories of England, Greece, and Rome, serving as a mediator of Enlightenment ideas from continental Europe ([08:47], [10:47]).
   • His eight-volume "History of the Earth and Animated Nature" synthesized contemporary scientific thought, earning him substantial financial success ([11:58]).

Personality and Reputation

Goldsmith was known for his boisterous and rebellious streak, often engaging in sharp repartee and exhibiting a talent for witty exchanges ([03:26]). His physical disfigurement did little to dampen his vibrant personality, although it subjected him to persistent criticism and mockery, notably from James Boswell. Boswell portrayed Goldsmith as a "comic Irishman," a depiction that has influenced his legacy:

"He plays the role, or performs the function rather, of the comic Irishman in James Boswell's Life of Johnson" ([23:32]).

Despite some negative portrayals, Goldsmith was admired by contemporaries like Samuel Johnson, who recognized his literary genius and supported him financially during hardships ([23:46], [24:45]).

Influence and Legacy

Goldsmith's work left an indelible mark on both British and Irish literary traditions. David O'Shaughnessy notes his influence on subsequent generations of Irish playwrights and poets, including Richard Brinsley Sheridan and John O'Keefe. His novelistic style influenced authors like Jane Austen, bridging the gap between earlier robust novels and more character-driven narratives.

In America, The Deserted Village resonated with post-revolutionary poets such as Wordsworth and Timothy Dwight, while in Ireland, it became a cultural touchstone, referenced in works by Yeats and John Montague. Although Goldsmith's popularity waned in later centuries, recent scholarship has re-evaluated his contributions, recognizing his role in shaping the literary landscape of his time.

Final Years and Posthumous Works

Goldsmith remained prolific until his untimely death at age 45 due to kidney failure. His final poem, Retaliation, published shortly after his death, encapsulates his enduring wit and critical spirit:

"Here lies Ollie Goldsmith, who wrote like an angel but talked like poor Paul..." ([49:28]).

This work reflects his ability to engage with and critique his contemporaries humorously, solidifying his reputation as a sharp and resilient literary figure.

Conclusion

Oliver Goldsmith emerges from this discussion as a cosmopolitan Enlightenment thinker, whose extensive body of work spanned multiple disciplines and genres. His ability to blend sentimental warmth with sharp social critique, coupled with his role as a mediator of European intellectual currents, underscores his significance in literary history. Despite personal challenges and a complex reputation shaped by contemporaries, Goldsmith's legacy endures through his influential works and their lasting impact on literature across the British Isles and beyond.

Notable Quotes:

• Michael Griffin on Goldsmith's poetry:

  "The Deserted Village is probably one of the best pieces of poetry of the century." ([13:07])

• Judith Hawley on Goldsmith's versatility:

  "He combined the Augustan and the sentimental... using personifications and abstract themes effectively." ([15:16])

• David O'Shaughnessy on Goldsmith's influence:

  "He serves as a touchstone for a new generation of Irish playwrights and dramatists in London." ([37:45])

This comprehensive exploration of Oliver Goldsmith provides insights into his multifaceted career, his literary achievements, and the lasting impression he left on the cultural and intellectual fabric of his time.