# The Courtship of the Yonghy-Bonghy-Bò explained — Nonsense Books

> Chapter companion for Nonsense Books by Edward Lear.

## What happens

The Yonghy-Bonghy-Bò, a lonely creature living on the Coast of Coromandel with only two old chairs, half a candle, and a jug without a handle, proposes marriage to Lady Jingly Jones. She sadly declines, revealing she already has a mate in England named Handel Jones. Heartbroken, the Yonghy-Bonghy-Bò flees on the back of a Turtle across the ocean, while Lady Jingly remains on the coast mourning him.

## Themes in this chapter

### Loneliness and Longing

The Yonghy-Bonghy-Bò expresses weariness of living singly and seeks companionship, only to be rejected.

### Love and Marriage

The central plot revolves around a marriage proposal and the complications of unrequited love.

### Adventure and Exploration

The Yonghy-Bonghy-Bò embarks on a journey across the ocean on a Turtle after his rejection.

## Character check-ins

### The Yonghy-Bonghy-Bò

Proposes marriage to Lady Jingly Jones, is rejected, and flees on a Turtle.

### Lady Jingly Jones

Declines the proposal, revealing she has a mate in England, and mourns the Yonghy-Bonghy-Bò after he leaves.

### Mr. Jones

Mentioned as Lady Jingly's mate in England, Handel Jones, who sends Dorking fowls.

### The Turtle

Carries the Yonghy-Bonghy-Bò across the ocean after his rejection.

## Key lines

> Two old chairs, and half a candle, One old jug without a handle— These were all his worldly goods

The Yonghy-Bonghy-Bò owned only two chairs, a half-candle, and a handleless jug.

_Highlights the Yonghy-Bonghy-Bò's poverty and simplicity._

> I am tired of living singly— On this coast so wild and shingly— I'm a-weary of my life

The Yonghy-Bonghy-Bò is weary of his solitary life on the wild coast.

_Expresses his loneliness and desire for companionship._

> Your proposal comes too late, Mr. Yonghy-Bonghy-Bò! I would be your wife most gladly! ... But in England I've a mate!

Lady Jingly sadly explains she would have accepted his proposal, but she is already committed to a man in England.

_The pivotal rejection that drives the Yonghy-Bonghy-Bò to leave._

> Down the slippery slopes of Myrtle, ... To the calm and silent sea Fled the Yonghy-Bonghy-Bò.

The Yonghy-Bonghy-Bò fled down the slopes to the sea.

_Marks his departure after being rejected._

> Lady Jingly Jones, farewell!

The Yonghy-Bonghy-Bò bids farewell to Lady Jingly as he rides away on the Turtle.

_Final farewell as he leaves the coast._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/nonsense_books_se/chapters/the-courtship-of-the-yonghy-bonghy-b
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