An Elegy on the Death of a Mad Dog By: Oliver Goldsmith (1730-1774)
An Elegy on the Death of a Mad Dog is a delightful work of poetry by Oliver Goldsmith that combines humor, satire, and a touch of irony to convey a deeper message. The poem takes on the form of a mock-elegy, using the death of a mad dog as a metaphor for exploring the flaws and peculiarities of human nature. Goldsmith's writing style is captivating, employing rhyming couplets and a lively rhythm that pulls the reader along with ease. The poem opens with a vivid and amusing description of the unfortunate mad dog and his chaotic rampage through the town. Through clever wordplay, Goldsmith masterfully highlights the absurdity of the situation and draws attention to the irrationality of human behavior. Beyond the surface entertainment, the poem carries a profound moral message. Goldsmith uses the dog's tragic fate as a critique of societal hypocrisy, emphasizing how even the most well-respected and civilized individuals can exhibit callousness and indifference. By comparing the mad dog's demise to the dog's previous state of madness, Goldsmith suggests that human beings are often driven to irrational actions due to their own inherent nature. What makes An Elegy on the Death of a Mad Dog particularly remarkable is its ability to engage the reader on multiple levels. On one hand, the poem is an entertaining and amusing anecdote, filled with clever wordplay and comic imagery. On the other hand, it is a satirical commentary on human behavior, challenging readers to reflect on their own actions and tendencies. Despite its brevity, Goldsmith's poem successfully encapsulates a multitude of themes and emotions. It serves as a reminder that beneath the humor and wit lies a poignant exploration of human nature and society's flaws. An Elegy on the Death of a Mad Dog is a true literary gem, a work that entertains while also provoking self-reflection. It is a testament to Goldsmith's mastery of language and his ability to convey complex ideas with wit and charm. Reading this poem is not only a pleasurable experience but also a thought-provoking journey. First Page: The MAD DOG ONE OF R. CALDECOTT'S PICTURE BOOKS Frederick Warne and Co. Ltd. [Illustration] An ELEGY on the DEATH of a MAD DOG. WRITTEN By Dr GOLDSMITH PICTURED By R. CALDECOTT SUNG By Master BILL PRIMROSE [Illustration] Good people all, of every sort, Give ear unto my song; And if you find it wondrous short, It cannot hold you long. [Illustration] [Illustration] [Illustration] In Islington there lived a man, Of whom the world might say, That still a godly race he ran, Whene'er he went to pray. [Illustration] [Illustration] [Illustration] [Illustration] A kind and gentle heart he had, To comfort friends and foes; The naked every day he clad, When he put on his clothes [Illustration] [Illustration] [Illustration] [Illustration] And in that town a dog was found: As many dogs there be Both mongrel, puppy, whelp, and hound, And curs of low degree... Continue reading book >>

An Elegy on the Death of a Mad Dog By: Oliver Goldsmith (1730-1774)

An Elegy on the Death of a Mad Dog is a delightful work of poetry by Oliver Goldsmith that combines humor, satire, and a touch of irony to convey a deeper message. The poem takes on the form of a mock-elegy, using the death of a mad dog as a metaphor for exploring the flaws and peculiarities of human nature.

Goldsmith's writing style is captivating, employing rhyming couplets and a lively rhythm that pulls the reader along with ease. The poem opens with a vivid and amusing description of the unfortunate mad dog and his chaotic rampage through the town. Through clever wordplay, Goldsmith masterfully highlights the absurdity of the situation and draws attention to the irrationality of human behavior.

Beyond the surface entertainment, the poem carries a profound moral message. Goldsmith uses the dog's tragic fate as a critique of societal hypocrisy, emphasizing how even the most well-respected and civilized individuals can exhibit callousness and indifference. By comparing the mad dog's demise to the dog's previous state of madness, Goldsmith suggests that human beings are often driven to irrational actions due to their own inherent nature.

What makes An Elegy on the Death of a Mad Dog particularly remarkable is its ability to engage the reader on multiple levels. On one hand, the poem is an entertaining and amusing anecdote, filled with clever wordplay and comic imagery. On the other hand, it is a satirical commentary on human behavior, challenging readers to reflect on their own actions and tendencies.

Despite its brevity, Goldsmith's poem successfully encapsulates a multitude of themes and emotions. It serves as a reminder that beneath the humor and wit lies a poignant exploration of human nature and society's flaws. An Elegy on the Death of a Mad Dog is a true literary gem, a work that entertains while also provoking self-reflection. It is a testament to Goldsmith's mastery of language and his ability to convey complex ideas with wit and charm. Reading this poem is not only a pleasurable experience but also a thought-provoking journey.

First Page:

The MAD DOG

ONE OF R. CALDECOTT'S PICTURE BOOKS

Frederick Warne and Co. Ltd.

[Illustration]

An ELEGY on the DEATH of a MAD DOG.

WRITTEN By Dr GOLDSMITH

PICTURED By R. CALDECOTT

SUNG By Master BILL PRIMROSE

[Illustration]

Good people all, of every sort, Give ear unto my song; And if you find it wondrous short, It cannot hold you long.

[Illustration] [Illustration] [Illustration]

In Islington there lived a man, Of whom the world might say, That still a godly race he ran, Whene'er he went to pray.

[Illustration] [Illustration] [Illustration] [Illustration]

A kind and gentle heart he had, To comfort friends and foes; The naked every day he clad, When he put on his clothes

[Illustration] [Illustration] [Illustration] [Illustration]

And in that town a dog was found: As many dogs there be Both mongrel, puppy, whelp, and hound, And curs of low degree... Continue reading book >>

Genres for this book
Kids
Fiction
Humor

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Wikipedia – Oliver Goldsmith
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