Summary:
Retaliation by Oliver Goldsmith is a satirical poem written as an epitaph-like tribute to various literary figures of his time. It was composed in response to a jest among his friends, particularly members of the Literary Club, who had written humorous epitaphs about him. In return, Goldsmith “retaliates” by crafting witty and critical yet good-natured portraits of his contemporaries, including Samuel Johnson, Edmund Burke, and David Garrick. The poem humorously highlights both their virtues and flaws, showcasing Goldsmith’s sharp wit and keen observational skills.
MCQs:
- What inspired Oliver Goldsmith to write Retaliation?
A) A challenge from Samuel Johnson
B) A jest among his friends at the Literary Club
C) A bet about writing poetry
D) A request from King George III
Answer: B) A jest among his friends at the Literary Club - What literary device is most commonly used in Retaliation?
A) Simile
B) Satire
C) Metaphor
D) Hyperbole
Answer: B) Satire - Which famous literary figure is humorously described in the poem?
A) William Shakespeare
B) Geoffrey Chaucer
C) Samuel Johnson
D) Lord Byron
Answer: C) Samuel Johnson
Retaliation - What is the primary tone of Retaliation?
A) Solemn and reflective
B) Playful and witty
C) Melancholic and tragic
D) Dark and mysterious
Answer: B) Playful and witty - Who was the main audience for Retaliation?
A) The general public
B) The members of the Literary Club
C) Goldsmith’s family
D) The British monarchy
Answer: B) The members of the Literary Club - How does Goldsmith portray Edmund Burke in the poem?
A) As a dull and uninteresting writer
B) As a man of great intellect and sharp wit
C) As a tyrannical politician
D) As a soldier and warrior
Answer: B) As a man of great intellect and sharp wit - What is the meaning of the title Retaliation?
A) Goldsmith’s revenge on his critics
B) A playful response to his friends’ humor
C) A call for war against his rivals
D) A discussion on political conflict
Answer: B) A playful response to his friends’ humor - What form of poetry is Retaliation written in?
A) Sonnet
B) Epic
C) Heroic couplets
D) Free verse
Answer: C) Heroic couplets - Which theme is central to Retaliation?
A) The nature of friendship and wit
B) The downfall of the monarchy
C) The struggles of rural life
D) The horrors of war
Answer: A) The nature of friendship and wit - What happened to Retaliation after Goldsmith’s death?
A) It was never published
B) It was lost for several centuries
C) It was published posthumously and became popular
D) It was rewritten by Samuel Johnson
Answer: C) It was published posthumously and became popular
| Question | Answer |
| Poem Name | Retaliation |
| Author | Oliver Goldsmith |
| Year Published | 1774 (posthumously) |
| Poem Type | Satirical, Epitaph-like poetry |
| Main Themes | Wit, Friendship, Satire, Literary Tribute |
| Setting | 18th-century London, among the Literary Club |
| Main Characters | Various literary figures, including Samuel Johnson, Edmund Burke, and David Garrick |
| Symbolism | Each character represents different intellectual and literary qualities |
| Literary Significance | A humorous and insightful critique of notable figures |
| Writing Style | Witty, Narrative, Satirical |
| Impact | One of Goldsmith’s most famous satirical works, highlighting his poetic talent and humor |