An Elegy on the Death of a Mad Dog

"An Elegy on the Death of a Mad Dog" by Oliver Goldsmith is a whimsical poem illustrated by R. Caldecott, written during the late 18th century. This work combines humor and poignancy in a lighthearted exploration of themes such as friendship, loyalty, and the unpredictable nature of both humans and animals. It can be categorized as a children's poetry book, often appealing to audiences for its playful language and entertaining illustrations. The poem narrates the tale of a kind-hearted man and his unfortunate encounter with a mad dog. Initially friends, their relationship goes awry when the dog bites the man, prompting the community to assume the man will perish from the injury. However, to everyone’s surprise, the man recovers while the dog succumbs to madness. This twist emphasizes the irony of the situation and serves as a commentary on character judgments and the unforeseen outcomes of conflicts. Throughout the verses, Goldsmith intertwines humor with life lessons, showcasing his talent for playful storytelling that charms readers of all ages. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Oliver Goldsmith was an Anglo-Irish writer best known for his works such as The Vicar of Wakefield (1766), The Good-Natur'd Man (1768), The Deserted Village (1770) and She Stoops to Conquer (1771). He is thought by some to have written the classic children's tale The History of Little Goody Two-Shoes (1765).