What is the essay The Man in Black by Oliver Goldsmith about?

Answer 1

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Answer 2

The essay The Man in Black written by Oliver Goldsmith is a satirical piece of writing attacking the kind of socio-political situation that prevailed in England during the period of Anglo Saxons. Oliver starts by writing that if there was any personality that he admired, it was the Man in Black. He states that the reason why he admired that man in black was because of his appearing as something that he in fact is not.

The man in black is projected to be a person with a kind, genial and sympathetic heart but he had characteristics completely to the contrary - rude, stern, unkind and curt. This proves that English Society, during that time had a peculiar tendency of considering the male species as something macho, chauvinistic, stern and masculine. The dominance of the males in the family brought about by their manly nature was something that was socially and politically acceptable and encouraged.

These stereotypical aspects of males being encouraged to be dominant, masculine and commanding were what the society and the politics of the time considered prestigious and dignified. Goldsmith, through this essay, actually wants to discourage the trend of being what you are not.