“Elegy on the Death of a Mad Dog” by Oliver Goldsmith: A Critical Analysis

Introduction: “Elegy on the Death of a Mad Dog” by Oliver Goldsmith

“Elegy on the Death of a Mad Dog” by Oliver Goldsmith was first published in 1766 as part of his novel, The Vicar of Wakefield. This seemingly simple, humorous poem is a masterful example of satire and parody, as it employs the elegiac form typically reserved for mourning the loss of a human being to lament the death of a mad dog. Goldsmith’s use of unexpected humor, vivid imagery, and straightforward language creates a sharp contrast with the solemn tone traditionally associated with elegies, resulting in a piece that is both entertaining and thought-provoking.

Text: “Elegy on the Death of a Mad Dog” by Oliver Goldsmith

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

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

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

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

This dog and man at first were friends;
But when a pique began,
The dog, to gain some private ends,
Went mad, and bit the man.

Around from all the neighbouring streets
The wond’ring neighbours ran,
And swore the dog had lost its wits
To bite so good a man.

The wound it seemed both sore and sad
To every Christian eye;
And while they swore the dog was mad,
They swore the man would die.

But soon a wonder came to light
That showed the rogues they lied,—
The man recovered of the bite,
The dog it was that died!

Annotations: “Elegy on the Death of a Mad Dog” by Oliver Goldsmith

Stanza	Annotation
Good people all, of every sort,	Introduction (Lines 1-4): The speaker addresses the audience in a casual and friendly manner, inviting them to listen to his song. He acknowledges that the poem is short, but assures them that it will be worth their time.
In Islington there was a man	Character introduction (Lines 5-8): The speaker introduces a man who lives in Islington and is known for his piety. The use of the dash after ‘say’ suggests a pause, perhaps for the audience to ponder the man’s religious devotion.
A kind and gentle heart he had,	Irony (Lines 9-12): The speaker describes the man’s supposedly charitable acts, but the phrasing is ironic. The line ‘The naked every day he clad—When he put on his clothes’ implies that the man’s generosity is superficial and self-serving.
And in that town a dog was found,	Character introduction (Lines 13-16): The speaker introduces a dog, using a humorous and informal tone by listing various dog breeds (‘mongrel, puppy, whelp, and hound’) along with ‘curs of low degree’.
This dog and man at first were friends;	Conflict introduced (Lines 17-20): The speaker reveals that the dog and the man were once friends, but something caused a disagreement (‘pique’). The dog’s motives for biting the man are left ambiguous (‘to gain some private ends’).
Around from all the neighbouring streets	Public reaction (Lines 21-24): The neighbors are shocked by the dog’s attack on the seemingly good man. They exaggerate the situation, claiming the dog has ‘lost its wits’.
The wound it seemed both sore and sad	Heightened tension (Lines 25-28): The wound appears serious, and the neighbors fear for the man’s life. They swear both that the dog is mad and that the man will die.
But soon a wonder came to light	Twist ending (Lines 29-32): The poem takes a surprising turn. The man recovers from the dog bite, while the dog dies. The neighbors are exposed as liars (‘rogues’) for their hasty judgments.

Literary And Poetic Devices: “Elegy on the Death of a Mad Dog” by Oliver Goldsmith

Literary Device	Definition	Example	Explanation
Allusion	A reference to another work, person, or event	“And if you find it wondrous short”	“Wondrous short” could allude to the brevity of life, though this is subtle.
Anaphora	Repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of clauses	“The dog…The dog…”	Repetition of “The dog” at the beginning of sentences emphasizes the importance of the dog in the poem.
Antithesis	Juxtaposition of contrasting ideas	“The man recovered of the bite, / The dog it was that died!”	The contrast between the man recovering and the dog dying highlights the irony in the poem.
Assonance	Repetition of vowel sounds within words	“And in that town a dog was found”	The repetition of the ‘a’ sound in “and,” “that,” and “was” creates a musical quality.
Ballad	A narrative poem with a song-like quality	“Elegy on the Death of a Mad Dog” as a whole	The poem is a narrative ballad, telling a story in a rhythmic and structured manner.
Caesura	A strong pause within a line of verse	“To bite so good a man.”	The pause after “good” creates emphasis on the word “man,” adding dramatic effect.
Consonance	Repetition of consonant sounds, typically at the end	“And in that town a dog was found”	The repetition of the ‘d’ sound in “found” adds to the rhythm of the line.
Couplet	Two consecutive lines of poetry that rhyme	“The man recovered of the bite, / The dog it was that died!”	These two lines form a rhyming couplet, wrapping up the poem with a twist.
Diction	The choice and use of words in a text	“Whene’er he went to pray.”	The use of “Whene’er” instead of “whenever” gives the poem an old-fashioned, formal tone.
Enjambment	The continuation of a sentence without a pause beyond a line	“Of whom the world might say, / That still a godly race he ran”	The sentence continues beyond the line, creating a flow that mirrors the ongoing nature of the man’s actions.
Hyperbole	Exaggerated statements not meant to be taken literally	“And swore the dog had lost its wits”	The phrase “lost its wits” is an exaggeration to emphasize how the dog’s actions were seen as irrational.
Irony	A contrast between expectation and reality	“The man recovered of the bite, / The dog it was that died!”	The expectation is that the man would die, but ironically, it is the dog that dies.
Metaphor	A figure of speech that implies a comparison between two unlike things	“To bite so good a man”	The “bite” can metaphorically represent a betrayal or a wrong done to someone undeserving.
Meter	The rhythmic structure of lines in poetry	The consistent meter throughout the poem	The poem follows a regular meter, which gives it a rhythmic, song-like quality.
Personification	Giving human traits to non-human entities	“The dog had lost its wits”	The dog is given the human trait of “wits,” implying it has the capability to think or reason.
Repetition	Repeating words or phrases for emphasis	“And swore the dog was mad, / They swore the man would die.”	The repetition of “swore” emphasizes the certainty of the neighbors’ beliefs.
Rhyme Scheme	The pattern of rhymes at the end of lines in poetry	The ABAB rhyme scheme throughout the poem	The consistent rhyme scheme helps to create a rhythmic and memorable structure in the poem.
Satire	The use of humor, irony, or exaggeration to criticize	The entire poem	The poem uses humor and irony to critique societal reactions and the concept of justice.
Simile	A figure of speech that compares two things using “like” or “as”	Not directly present in the poem, but implied in “as many dogs there be”	This phrase suggests a comparison between the commonness of dogs and the situation at hand.

Themes: “Elegy on the Death of a Mad Dog” by Oliver Goldsmith

• Appearances Can Be Deceiving: Oliver Goldsmith’s “Elegy on the Death of a Mad Dog” masterfully employs irony to subvert expectations. The poem initially presents the man as a paragon of virtue, described as a “godly race” who “clad the naked every day.” However, the use of sardonic tone and unexpected details casts doubt on this idealized image. Similarly, the neighbors’ hasty judgment of the man’s fate based on appearances is ultimately proven incorrect, emphasizing the theme that outward appearances can be misleading.
• Hypocrisy and Reputation: Goldsmith’s poem serves as a biting critique of societal hypocrisy and the power of reputation. The neighbors’ swift condemnation of the dog and their exaggerated concern for the man’s well-being reveal their superficiality and eagerness to conform to societal norms. Their actions highlight the tendency to form opinions based on hearsay and prejudice rather than on concrete evidence. By exposing the neighbors’ hypocrisy, Goldsmith underscores the importance of critical thinking and questioning societal conventions.
• Irony and Satire: “Elegy on the Death of a Mad Dog” is a brilliant example of irony and satire. The use of the elegiac form, traditionally reserved for mourning the loss of a significant person, to lament the death of a mad dog is a striking inversion. Goldsmith’s satirical intent is further evident in his exaggerated portrayal of the neighbors’ reactions and their dramatic language. Through these devices, the poet mocks the tendency to overreact and to elevate mundane events to matters of great importance.
• Unexpected Twist and Humor: A hallmark of Goldsmith’s poem is its unexpected twist and the resulting humor. The revelation that the man, rather than the dog, survives the ordeal is a surprising and comic turn of events. This unexpected outcome not only provides comic relief but also serves to undercut the seriousness with which the neighbors approach the situation. By subverting reader expectations, Goldsmith creates a memorable and entertaining reading experience.

Literary Theories and “Elegy on the Death of a Mad Dog” by Oliver Goldsmith

Literary Theory	Application and Examples
Formalism	This theory focuses on the text as a self-contained artistic object. In “Elegy on the Death of a Mad Dog,” formalism would analyze the poem’s structure, language, and literary devices to understand its meaning. For instance, the use of the elegiac form, traditionally reserved for solemn subjects, is ironically juxtaposed with the humorous and trivial content of the poem. This formal incongruity contributes to the poem’s satirical effect.
New Criticism	New Criticism emphasizes close reading of the text to discover its inherent meaning. A New Critic would examine the internal structure of the poem, exploring the relationship between its parts and how they contribute to the overall theme. For example, the character of the man is presented with ironic undertones, inviting the reader to question the veracity of his supposed piety. By analyzing the interplay of language, imagery, and structure, a New Critic would seek to uncover the poem’s deeper significance.
Reader-Response Theory	This theory emphasizes the reader’s role in creating meaning. In the context of “Elegy on the Death of a Mad Dog,” a reader-response critic would explore how different readers interpret the poem based on their own experiences and perspectives. For instance, some readers might focus on the humor and satire, while others might contemplate the themes of appearance versus reality or the power of rumor. The poem’s open-ended nature allows for a variety of interpretations, making it a rich text for reader-response analysis.

Critical Questions about “Elegy on the Death of a Mad Dog” by Oliver Goldsmith

• What does the poem suggest about the nature of human judgment and perception?
• The poem reflects on how human judgment can be flawed and based on superficial appearances. The townspeople quickly assume that the dog is mad and that the man will die because he was perceived as “good” and “godly.” This hasty conclusion is evident when they “swore the dog had lost its wits” and “swore the man would die” (lines 23-24). The irony revealed in the poem’s final lines, where “The man recovered of the bite, / The dog it was that died!” (lines 29-30), challenges the reliability of the community’s judgment and highlights the potential for error in their perceptions.
• How does the poem use irony to convey its message?
• Irony is a central device in Goldsmith’s poem, used to subvert the reader’s expectations and deliver a satirical message. The townspeople, who are quick to declare the dog mad and predict the man’s death, are ironically proven wrong when the man survives and the dog dies instead. This twist, encapsulated in the concluding couplet, “The man recovered of the bite, / The dog it was that died!” (lines 29-30), underscores the poem’s critique of the assumptions and moral certainty often exhibited by society. The irony challenges the reader to question the validity of the initial judgments made by the characters in the poem.
• What is the significance of the poem’s portrayal of the relationship between the man and the dog?
• The poem initially presents the man and the dog as friends, indicating a harmonious relationship: “This dog and man at first were friends” (line 17). However, their bond deteriorates, leading to the dog biting the man, suggesting a betrayal or a breakdown in trust. The subsequent reaction of the townspeople and the ultimate fate of the dog raise questions about loyalty, trust, and the nature of relationships. The dog’s death, contrasted with the man’s survival, may symbolize the destructive consequences of conflict and misunderstanding in relationships, as well as the fragility of social bonds.
• How does the poem critique societal values and attitudes?
• Goldsmith’s poem critiques societal values by illustrating the townspeople’s quickness to judge based on external appearances and their inclination towards moral absolutism. The man is described as godly and kind, someone “of whom the world might say, / That still a godly race he ran” (lines 5-6), which makes the townspeople believe he is above reproach. This unquestioning reverence for perceived virtue, coupled with the hasty condemnation of the dog, reflects a society that values outward displays of piety and goodness over deeper understanding and fairness. The poem ultimately exposes the hypocrisy and potential for error in such societal judgments, particularly through the ironic twist at the end where the man survives and the dog dies.

Literary Works Similar to “Elegy on the Death of a Mad Dog” by Oliver Goldsmith

Poem	Author	Similarity
“A Satirical Elegy on the Death of a Late Famous General”	Jonathan Swift	Both poems employ elegiac form ironically to satirize a seemingly important figure or event.
“The Rape of the Lock”	Alexander Pope	Both poems use elevated poetic forms to mock trivial subjects, highlighting societal absurdities through satire.
“Epistle to Dr. Arbuthnot”	Alexander Pope	Both poets employ a conversational tone to critique social and literary figures, blending humor and satire.
“Bartholomew Fair”	John Dryden	Both poets utilize vivid imagery and satirical wit to expose human foibles and societal hypocrisy.
“Don Juan”	Lord Byron	While longer and more complex, Byron’s epic shares Goldsmith’s ability to blend humor, satire, and social commentary within a narrative framework.

Suggested Readings: “Elegy on the Death of a Mad Dog” by Oliver Goldsmith

1. Goldsmith, Oliver. The Complete Works of Oliver Goldsmith. Edited by Peter Cunningham, Harper & Brothers, 1854.
2. Mullan, John. Anonymity: A Secret History of English Literature. Faber & Faber, 2008.
3. CAREY, JOHN. “OLIVER GOLDSMITH: (1728–74).” 100 Poets: A Little Anthology, Yale University Press, 2021, pp. 83–85. JSTOR, https://doi.org/10.2307/j.ctv1z9n1r9.30. Accessed 15 Aug. 2024.
4. Ferguson, Oliver W. “Goldsmith as Ironist.” Studies in Philology, vol. 81, no. 2, 1984, pp. 212–28. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/4174172. Accessed 15 Aug. 2024.

Representative Quotations of “Elegy on the Death of a Mad Dog” by Oliver Goldsmith

Quotation	Context	Theoretical Perspective
“Good people all, of every sort, / Give ear unto my song;”	The opening lines invite the audience to listen to the story, setting the stage for the poem’s narrative.	Narrative Theory – Establishes the role of the storyteller and engages the reader in the narrative process.
“In Islington there was a man / Of whom the world might say, / That still a godly race he ran— / Whene’er he went to pray.”	Describes the main character as a devout, morally upright man, establishing him as a figure of social and religious respectability.	Moral Criticism – Reflects the societal valuation of piety and goodness, which is later subverted.
“This dog and man at first were friends; / But when a pique began, / The dog, to gain some private ends, / Went mad, and bit the man.”	The relationship between the man and the dog deteriorates, leading to the pivotal conflict of the poem.	Psychoanalytic Criticism – Highlights themes of betrayal and underlying tensions in relationships, symbolizing repressed conflict.
“The wound it seemed both sore and sad / To every Christian eye; / And while they swore the dog was mad, / They swore the man would die.”	The community reacts with certainty that the man, being virtuous, will succumb to the wound, reflecting their shared moral assumptions.	Cultural Criticism – Examines how collective moral judgments and religious beliefs shape societal reactions to events.
“But soon a wonder came to light / That showed the rogues they lied,—”	Introduces the ironic twist, challenging the previously held beliefs of the community.	Irony Theory – The use of irony here critiques the certainty and moral absolutism of the townspeople.
“The man recovered of the bite, / The dog it was that died!”	The concluding lines reveal the ironic outcome, where the man survives and the dog dies, subverting expectations.	Structuralism – Analyzes how the structure of the poem, particularly the concluding couplet, disrupts the expected narrative arc.