Nonsense Books · Chapter
List of Illustrations explained
This chapter provides a detailed catalog of illustrations from the book, depicting scenes from various nonsense poems including the adventures of the Owl and the Pussycat, the Duck and the Kangaroo, the Jumblies, the Dong, the Pobble, and t
What happens
This chapter provides a detailed catalog of illustrations from the book, depicting scenes from various nonsense poems including the adventures of the Owl and the Pussycat, the Duck and the Kangaroo, the Jumblies, the Dong, the Pobble, and the four children. It also includes alphabet illustrations and portraits of many eccentric characters, often in absurd or whimsical situations.
Themes in this chapter
Nonsense and Absurdity
The entire chapter is a catalog of absurd and whimsical illustrations, from plants growing teapots and barking dog heads to characters in impossible situations.
Adventure and Exploration
Many illustrations depict voyages and journeys, such as the Owl and Pussycat sailing, the Duck riding the Kangaroo, and the four children traveling in a teapot.
Social Absurdity and Conformity
The illustrations often mock social norms, showing characters in ridiculous attire or engaging in bizarre behaviors, like the old man wearing his grandmother's gown or the young lady with a long nose.
Characters to notice
- The Owl and the Pussycat
Depicted in a boat, with the owl playing a guitar and the cat holding honey; also shown dancing with a turkey and talking to a pig.
- The Duck and the Kangaroo
Shown having a conversation, with the duck perched on the kangaroo's tail and later riding on it as the kangaroo hops.
- The Jumblies
Referenced indirectly through illustrations of the Dong and the Jumbly Girl, and the Jumblies sailing away.
- The Dong
Mentioned in the context of the Jumblies sailing away, leaving the Dong behind.
- The Pobble Who Has No Toes
Referenced in the illustration list, likely depicting his adventures.
- The Quangle Wangle
Shown holding onto the horn of a rhinoceros and later with his head in a plaid slipper.
Key passages
“The owl and the cat are sitting in a boat. The owl is playing a guitar, and the cat is holding a jar of honey.”
The Owl and the Pussycat are depicted in a boat, with the Owl strumming a guitar and the Pussycat clutching a honey jar.
This illustration directly references the opening of 'The Owl and the Pussycat' poem.
“The duck is riding on the tail of a hopping kangaroo.”
The Duck is shown riding on the Kangaroo's tail as the Kangaroo hops along.
This illustrates the journey of the Duck and the Kangaroo from the poem.
“The plant is blooming barking dog heads.”
A plant is depicted with flowers that are actually barking dog heads.
This absurd image exemplifies Lear's nonsense style.