Book Of Nonsense Limerick 104.

By Edward Lear

Limerick
    There was an Old Person of Sparta,     Who had twenty-five sons and one daughter;     He fed them on snails,     And weighed them in scales,     That wonderful person of Sparta.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poem is a classic example of a limerick, a form of poetry known for its five-line, AABBA rhyme scheme and its often humorous or nonsensical content. The playful tone and whimsical imagery of the father feeding his children snails and weighing them on scales exemplify these characteristics of the genre. The poem uses humor and exaggeration to subtly critique the rigid and militaristic society of ancient Sparta. The father's unconventional parenting methods can be interpreted as a satirical commentary on the Spartan emphasis on discipline and toughness.

The poem also employs the literary device of repetition, as the phrase "person of Sparta" is used both at the beginning and end of the poem. This reinforces the central setting and character of the poem, while also providing a satisfying sense of closure. Despite its light-hearted surface, the poem offers a clever critique of societal norms, demonstrating the power of humor as a tool for social commentary.

Understanding Limerick

A limerick is a five-line poem known for its jaunty rhythm, playful tone, and a punchline twist. It’s built for humor—often sly, sometimes downright silly.

Common characteristics of limericks:

  • Five Lines & Rhyme: The standard scheme is AABBA—the first, second, and fifth lines rhyme; the shorter third and fourth lines rhyme with each other.
  • Bouncy Meter: Typically anapestic (two short, one long beat). Lines 1, 2, and 5 are longer; lines 3 and 4 are shorter.
  • Tone & Humor: Lighthearted, mischievous, and built around a final gag or reversal.
  • Subject & Setup: Often starts with “There once was a … from …,” setting place and character before the comic turn.
  • Sound Play: Internal rhyme, alliteration, and rhythmic snap heighten the joke’s delivery.

The best limericks land like a good toast: quick, musical, and clinched by a memorable last line.