The Village School Master- An Analysis

The Village School Master

            "The Village Schoolmaster" by Oliver Goldsmith is an extract from  “The Deserted Village”. The poet returns to the village and finds it deserted. This poem is a lighthearted reflection of his village school master Mr. Thomas Paddy Byrne. As the poet himself was a pupil of this school master, he is able to create an authentic picture of him. 

            The village school master’s little school was situated next to the damaged fence. Goldsmith recalls the characteristics of the master with a mixed feeling of fear, respect and humour. He was known as a strict person. He was familiar to all the truants in the village because they had endured the master’s rage. When he cracks jokes, the children used to burst out in “counterfeited” laughter in order to avoid punishment.

            The trembling pupils were curious to know the day’s misfortunes on his face. If they observe a frown, they circulate the gloomy news throughout the class. Though he was stern, he was kind hearted too. He had an intense love for learning also.

            The villagers admired the school master’s knowledge. He was able to read and write well. He was good at arithmetic also. He could also survey land, forecast weather and tides. The village parson approved of his skills in debate. He was able to continue his argument even after losing a debate. He won the arguments with his thundering voice.

            The poem ends on a note of humour. The villagers gaze at him whenever they pass the school. They wonder how his small head could keep that enormous hoard of knowledge. Thus the poet describes the characteristics of the village school master.