Here's a summary of the poem:
1. Introduction: The poem begins with the speaker expressing his intention to write an elegy, a mournful poem traditionally written for the death of a person, in honor of a mad dog that has recently died.
2. Description of the Dog: The speaker humorously describes the dog as "the first to break the ice," referring to the dog's vicious nature and its habit of attacking people. He highlights the terror that the dog instilled in the community and the fear it brought upon everyone who encountered it.
3. The Dog's Misdeeds: The speaker proceeds to list the dog's misdeeds, including biting children and adults alike, attacking livestock, and even chasing the parish priest during a sermon. The poem portrays the dog as a menace and a nuisance to the entire town.
4. Comparison to Great Figures: In a satirical twist, the speaker compares the dead dog to famous historical figures, such as conquerors and monarchs. He suggests that the dog's conquests were more significant than theirs, and that its reign of terror was more impactful on the community than the deeds of these individuals.
5. Conclusion: The poem concludes with the speaker lamenting the loss of such a notorious and extraordinary creature, while at the same time expressing relief that the community is finally free from its terror.
Throughout the poem, Goldsmith employs humor, irony, and exaggerated descriptions to poke fun at the idea of mourning the death of a mad dog. He uses sarcasm and contrasting imagery to highlight the absurd nature of elevating the death of an animal to the level of a solemn elegy.
The poem serves as a critique of sentimentalism and excessive mourning over insignificant matters, and invites readers to reflect on the tendency to exaggerate and elevate trivial occurrences in our lives.