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.
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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 |