The essay ‘The Man in Black’ is written by Oliver Goldsmith. It is a mockery of the then contemporary society. He attacks the social and political situation that dominated during Anglo-Saxon period in England. Oliver gives us reason for his admiration. It is that Man in Black appearing as something that he in fact is not.
The writer describes the Man in Black as a kind, sympathetic, and genial person with a compassionate heart. Outwardly, he seems unkind, looking like a rude, curt, and stern person. This is in contrast with his inner personality. In those days the English society considered the male population to be aggressive, manly, stern and chauvinistic. The dominance of males by their ultra masculine nature in the family is encouraged and accepted socially and politically.
Goldsmith discourages these stereotype aspects of male dominance in this essay. He mocks the way the society and politics of that time regarded male authority as prestigious and dignified. He wants to suggest that the trend of being ‘what you are not’ should not be encouraged.
