Question

attempt a character sketch of the man in black​

Answer 1

Answer:

Though Goldsmith said that the Man in Black was modeled on his father, an Anglican curate, more than one critic has observed that the character "bears a striking resemblance" to the author:

In fact, Goldsmith himself seems to have had difficulty reconciling his philosophic opposition to charity with his own tenderness toward the poor--the conservative with the man of feeling. . . . As foolishly "luxurious" as Goldsmith may have considered [the Man in Black's] behavior, he apparently found it natural and almost unavoidable for a "man of sentiment."

(Richard C. Taylor, Goldsmith as Journalist . Associated University Presses, 1993)

After reading "The Character of the Man in Black," you may find it worthwhile to compare the essay with Goldsmith's "A City Night-Piece" and with George Orwell's