# Oliver Goldsmith — Table-Talk character guide

> Oliver Goldsmith in Table-Talk by William Hazlitt.

**Role:** minor

**Also known as:** Goldsmith, Goldsmith The great, himself

**First appearance:** 0003-volume-i-on-genius-and-common-sense

## Who they are

Writer and poet, referenced for his style and character.

## In the story

### [On Genius and Common Sense](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/table_talk_se/chapters/volume-i-on-genius-and-common-sense)

Contrasted with Dr. Johnson: Goldsmith had fine intuitive tact, while Johnson excelled in argument.

### [The Same Subject Continued](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/table_talk_se/chapters/volume-i-the-same-subject-continued)

Cited as an example of genius; his early chapters of 'The Vicar of Wakefield' and the character of a Village Schoolmaster are mentioned as stamping him a man of genius.

### [On People with One Idea](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/table_talk_se/chapters/volume-i-on-people-with-one-idea)

Quoted in the context of the world taking no notice of Mr. Fearn's work, similar to Goldsmith's own experience.

### [The Indian Jugglers](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/table_talk_se/chapters/volume-i-the-indian-jugglers)

Referenced indirectly through the line 'In argument they own'd his wondrous skill' from Goldsmith's works.

### [On Great and Little Things](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/table_talk_se/chapters/volume-ii-on-great-and-little-things)

Quoted at the start: 'These little things are great to little man.'

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/table_talk_se/characters/oliver_goldsmith
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/table_talk_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/table_talk_se/characters