Summary:
An Elegy on the Death of a Mad Dog by Oliver Goldsmith is a satirical poem that narrates the ironic tale of a seemingly virtuous man who is bitten by a mad dog. The unexpected twist occurs when, instead of the man suffering, the dog mysteriously dies. This irony challenges the idea of true virtue, suggesting that the man may not have been as good as he appeared. The poem employs humor, irony, and a simple, rhythmic structure to critique human hypocrisy and the deceptive nature of appearances.
MCQs:
- What is the main theme of An Elegy on the Death of a Mad Dog?
A) The dangers of rabid animals
B) The irony of morality and virtue
C) The loyalty of dogs
D) The strength of friendship
Answer: B) The irony of morality and virtue - Where does the story of the poem take place?
A) A bustling city
B) A small village
C) A battlefield
D) A royal palace
Answer: B) A small village - What strange event occurs in the poem?
A) The man turns into a dog
B) The dog dies after biting the man
C) The dog speaks to the villagers
D) The villagers punish the dog
Answer: B) The dog dies after biting the man
An Elegy on the Death of a Mad Dog - How do the villagers perceive the man?
A) As an evil person
B) As a foolish character
C) As a kind and virtuous man
D) As a magician
Answer: C) As a kind and virtuous man - What is ironic about the poem’s conclusion?
A) The man dies instead of the dog
B) The dog, not the man, dies from the bite
C) The villagers become sick
D) The dog is honored as a hero
Answer: B) The dog, not the man, dies from the bite - Which literary device is most prominent in the poem?
A) Metaphor
B) Satire
C) Simile
D) Hyperbole
Answer: B) Satire - What does the poem suggest about the “good” man?
A) He is truly noble
B) He may not be as good as he seems
C) He is a victim of bad luck
D) He is a healer
Answer: B) He may not be as good as he seems - What is the rhyme scheme of the poem?
A) ABAB
B) AABB
C) ABCB
D) Free verse
Answer: B) AABB - What does the mad dog symbolize in the poem?
A) Blind loyalty
B) Nature’s justice
C) Disease and death
D) The cruelty of the villagers
Answer: B) Nature’s justice - What is the tone of the poem?
A) Serious and tragic
B) Lighthearted and ironic
C) Dark and mysterious
D) Angry and bitter
Answer: B) Lighthearted and ironic
| Question | Answer |
| Poem Name | An Elegy on the Death of a Mad Dog |
| Author | Oliver Goldsmith |
| Year Published | 1766 |
| Poem Type | Satirical Narrative Poem |
| Main Themes | Irony, Hypocrisy, Human Nature |
| Setting | A Small Village |
| Main Characters | A “good” man and a mad dog |
| Symbolism | The dog represents truth, the man represents hypocrisy |
| Literary Significance | Uses humor and satire to critique society |
| Writing Style | Simple, Rhythmic, Ironic |
| Impact | A classic example of humorous moral poetry |