# Chapter IV: The Children of the Seven Families Are Sent Away explained — Nonsense Books

> Chapter companion for Nonsense Books by Edward Lear.

## What happens

The seven families decide to send their children out into the world, giving them each eight shillings, advice, chocolate-drops, and a pocketbook. Each set of parents warns their children against specific dangers and quarreling, and the forty-nine children depart with polite bows.

## Themes in this chapter

### Adventure and Exploration

The children are sent out to see the world, embarking on a journey into the unknown.

### Social Absurdity and Conformity

The parents' absurd and specific warnings about mythical creatures like plum-pudding fleas and clangle-wangles highlight the nonsensical nature of their instructions.

## Character check-ins

### The Parrots

The old Parrots warn their children not to fight over a cherry.

### The Storks

The old Storks advise their children to divide a frog into seven bits without quarreling.

### The Geese

The old Geese caution their children to avoid a plum-pudding flea.

### The Owls

The old Owls instruct their children to tear a mouse into seven slices and eat cheerfully.

### The Guinea Pigs

The old Guinea Pigs tell their children to eat lettuces calmly.

## Key lines

> If you find a cherry, do not fight about who should have it.

The old Parrots told their children not to quarrel over a cherry.

_A warning against conflict over trivial things._

> Whatever you do, be sure you do not touch a plum-pudding flea.

The old Geese strictly warned their children to avoid a plum-pudding flea.

_An absurd and specific caution._

> Above all things, avoid eating a blue boss-woss; for they do not agree with fishes, and give them a pain in their toes.

The old Fishes advised their children to never eat a blue boss-woss, as it causes toe pain.

_A nonsensical warning with a humorous consequence._

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