Summary:
The Haunch of Venison by Oliver Goldsmith is a humorous and satirical poem in which the speaker receives a haunch of venison as a gift but is unsure who sent it. He speculates about various wealthy individuals who might have given it to him and reflects on the social hierarchy, false generosity, and hypocrisy of the aristocracy. The poem critiques the vanity and superficial nature of high society while maintaining a lighthearted and witty tone. Eventually, the speaker discovers that the gift came from an honest, kind-hearted friend rather than the elite he had suspected.

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Question | Answer |
Poem Name | The Haunch of Venison |
Author | Oliver Goldsmith |
Year Published | 1776 |
Poem Type | Satirical, Mock-Heroic Poem |
Main Themes | Social Hierarchy, Vanity, Hypocrisy |
Setting | 18th-century English society |
Main Characters | The speaker, various aristocrats, and the true gift-giver |
Symbolism | The venison represents wealth, social privilege, and false generosity |
Literary Significance | A humorous critique of aristocratic vanity |
Writing Style | Witty, Narrative, Satirical |
Impact | A classic example of Goldsmith’s social commentary in poetry |