Nonsense Books · Chapter
One Hundred Nonsense Pictures and Rhymes explained
A collection of short, whimsical limericks and nonsense verses describing eccentric characters and their absurd, often illogical actions and encounters.
What happens
A collection of short, whimsical limericks and nonsense verses describing eccentric characters and their absurd, often illogical actions and encounters.
Themes in this chapter
Nonsense and Absurdity
The entire chapter is a collection of nonsensical limericks featuring absurd characters and illogical situations.
Social Absurdity and Conformity
Many verses highlight eccentric behaviors that defy social norms, such as boiling eggs in shoes or dancing with a cat.
Self-Identity and Eccentricity
Each character is defined by a unique, often bizarre trait or action, celebrating individuality and eccentricity.
Characters to notice
- An Old Person of Blythe
Cut up his meat with a scythe and cried 'Scythes forever!'
- A Young Lady of Russia
Screamed out whenever knocked about; had boots removed and was fed fruits.
- An Old Man of the Cape
Old man of Thermopylae who boiled eggs in his shoes.
- A Young Lady of Dorking
Young lady in white who looked out at night and was oppressed by birds.
- An Old Person of Burton
Old person of Deal who walked using only his heel and made no reply.
- An Old Person of Blythe
Old person of Fife who was disgusted with life but cured by a ballad and salad.
Key passages
“There was an old man of Thermopylae, Who never did anything properly; But they said, 'If you choose to boil eggs in your shoes, You shall never remain in Thermopylae.'”
An old man from Thermopylae was incompetent, and was warned that boiling eggs in his shoes would get him banished.
Illustrates absurdity and social consequence.
“There was an old person of Deal, Who in walking used only his heel; When they said, 'Tell us why?' he made no reply, That mysterious old person of Deal.”
An old person from Deal walked only on his heel and remained silent when questioned, adding to his mystery.
Highlights eccentricity and nonconformity.
“There was an old person of Fife, Who was greatly disgusted with life; They sang him a ballad, and fed him on salad, Which cured that old person of Fife.”
An old person from Fife was tired of life, but was cheered up by a song and a salad.
Shows how simple, absurd remedies can transform mood.