Oliver Goldsmith, born on November 10, 1728, in Ballymahon, Ireland, emerged from a modest background that nonetheless provided for his education thanks to his father's role as a minister. His family anticipated a university education for him, but financial constraints arose when his older sister's marriage demanded his tuition for her dowry. Despite these hardships, Goldsmith managed to enter Trinity College in Dublin as a sizar in 1745, a position allowing underprivileged students to study through a work-study system.

Early Academic Challenges

Goldsmith's time at Trinity College was marked by a lack of academic distinction, likely influenced by his unstable financial situation. He often flouted college regulations and was involved in a riot that tragically resulted in fatalities. Despite these setbacks, he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in 1749, though his future remained uncertain.

Embarking on a Journey

Following his graduation, Goldsmith explored various career paths, including attempts at entering the ministry and studying medicine. His restless spirit led him to wander across the British Isles from 1753 to 1756, ultimately leading him to the bustling city of London. There, Goldsmith found his footing in the world of letters, contributing reviews and essays to periodicals such as Ralph Griffith's Monthly Review and Tobias Smollett's Critical Review. He also took on proofreading work for Samuel Richardson, a notable novelist and printer.

Literary Breakthrough

Goldsmith's first significant literary success came with the publication of The Citizen of the World; or, Letters from a Chinese Philosopher Residing in London to His Friends in the East. Originally serialized in the Publick Ledger, this work humorously critiqued London society through the eyes of a fictional Asian philosopher. The publication garnered attention from the city's literary circles, notably The Club, whose members included eminent figures such as Samuel Johnson, James Boswell, Edmund Burke, Thomas Percy, Sir Joshua Reynolds, and David Garrick. This success opened doors to further literary opportunities, yet Goldsmith's chronic mismanagement of finances forced him to engage in hack writing to make ends meet.

Diverse Literary Ventures

Goldsmith proved to be a versatile writer, exploring various genres and styles. One of his most acclaimed works, The Deserted Village: A Poem, mourned the erosion of rural life in Britain. Despite his Tory political leanings, Goldsmith criticized the enclosure movement that displaced small farmers and altered the countryside. Published in 1770, the poem is a "loco-descriptive" piece, capturing the essence of natural settings and reflecting on their deeper implications through verse.

Critique of Sentimentalism

Goldsmith's disdain for Sentimentalism is evident in his literary output. Sentimentalism, as Oscar James Campbell describes, held that humanity is inherently good and could be morally elevated through empathetic responses to suffering. In his 1766 novel The Vicar of Wakefield, Goldsmith parodied this genre by depicting the relentless trials faced by the virtuous Vicar and his family, drawing parallels to the biblical Job. Modern critics view the novel as a satirical take on Sentimental fiction.

Revolutionizing Comedy

Goldsmith's contributions to theater extended his critique of Sentimentalism into dramatic forms. He articulated his stance in an essay titled "Essay on the Theatre; or, A Comparison between Laughing and Sentimental Comedy," arguing for a return to more traditional, humor-driven comedy. In 1768, the debut of his play The Good Natur'd Man: A Comedy coincided with the premiere of a Sentimental comedy by Hugh Kelly, offering audiences a clear contrast between the two comedic approaches. According to Campbell, Goldsmith's subsequent play, She Stoops to Conquer, was groundbreaking and ushered in a new era of comedic storytelling.

Legacy and Impact

Goldsmith's 1773 masterpiece, She Stoops to Conquer, received a warm reception, though it faced criticism from proponents of Sentimental comedy like Horace Walpole for its lack of a moral message. Despite such critiques, the play was well-loved by audiences and remains a staple of Goldsmith's legacy. Today, it continues to be celebrated for its wit and its pivotal role in reshaping comedic drama.