Retaliation - Classic Text | Alexandria
Retaliation (1774), Oliver Goldsmith's final published work, stands as a masterful satirical poem that exemplifies the intricate social dynamics and literary feuds of 18th-century London's intellectual circles. This 124-line work, composed in heroic couplets, emerged as Goldsmith's pointed response to perceived slights from other contemporary writers, particularly those who frequented London's Literary Club.
The poem was conceived during a period of intense literary rivalry and social transformation in Georgian London, where wit and verbal sparring served as currency among the period's leading intellectuals. Written shortly before Goldsmith's death, Retaliation originated from a playful exchange at the St. James's Coffee House, where members of the Club had composed mock epitaphs for one another. What began as light-hearted banter evolved into one of the most sophisticated examples of literary portraiture in English verse.
Goldsmith's genius in Retaliation lies in his artistic transformation of personal grievance into universal commentary. The work presents a series of character sketches of his contemporaries—including Edmund Burke, David Garrick, and Sir Joshua Reynolds—each rendered with remarkable psychological insight and satirical precision. These portraits, while sharp-edged, demonstrate Goldsmith's unique ability to balance criticism with genuine affection, creating what Samuel Johnson later described as "praise mixed with censure."
The poem's enduring significance extends beyond its immediate historical context, influencing subsequent generations' understanding of 18th-century literary society and establishing a model for sophisticated satirical portraiture. Modern scholars continue to mine Retaliation for its rich insights into the period's social networks and power dynamics. The work's unfinished state—Goldsmith died before completing it—adds an element of poignant mystery to its legacy, leaving readers to wonder about the intended conclusions of this literary riposte. Today, Retaliation serves not only as a testament to Goldsmith's mastery of satirical verse but also as a window into the complex social and intellectual landscape of Georgian London, where wit could both wound and immortalize.