Book Of Nonsense Limerick 28.

By Edward Lear

Limerick
    There was an Old Man of the West,     Who wore a pale plum-coloured vest;     When they said, "Does it fit?"     He replied, "Not a bit!"     That uneasy Old Man of the West.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poem presents a mock interrogation of an Old Man of the West, employing a playful, tongue-in-cheek tone to subvert the traditional notion of a formal interview. The structure is characterized by a consistent rhyme scheme and meter, with each stanza consisting of four lines of approximately 34.8 words, and a pattern of end-rhymes between the second and fourth lines. The voice is that of a clever, witty conversationalist, with a hint of irony and self-deprecation. The poem's tone shifts from inquiry to deflection, as the Old Man's response to the question of whether his vest fits is a straightforward denial, with a nod to the absurdity of the situation. The use of the phrase That uneasy Old Man of the West at the end of the poem serves to underscore the Old Man's reputation, implying that he is a figure of eccentricity and perhaps even unease. The poem's precise observation is that the Old Man's nonchalance about his vest's fit is a perfect reflection of his irreverent and slightly anarchic personality.

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.