Hey Diddle Diddle

Author: Walter Crane

    Hey diddle diddle! the cat and the fiddle,
    The cow skipt over the moon;
    The little dog laughed to see the fine sport,
    And the dish ran away with the spoon.
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Type of Poem: Ballad

Date Written:

Date Published:

Language: English

Keywords: Public Domain

Source: Public Domain Collection

Publisher:

Rights/Permissions: Public Domain

Comments/Notes: This brief yet whimsical piece is a classic example of a nursery rhyme, a form of poetry primarily used to amuse children and teach them basic rhythms. The theme of the poem is a celebration of the nonsensical and the absurd, with imagery that is both surreal and playful. Each line presents an image more fantastical than the last, making a clear departure from reality into the realm of the imagination.

The tone is light-hearted and jovial, designed to elicit laughter and delight. The structure of the poem is simple, following a clear and straightforward rhythm, which is typical of nursery rhymes. This simple structure, coupled with the amusing imagery, makes the poem easily memorable and repeatable—an important factor in its intended purpose for children. The standout literary device in this poem is the use of personification, providing animals and inanimate objects with human characteristics and capabilities. This not only adds to the absurdity but also fuels the childlike wonder the poem inspires.

Understanding Ballads

A ballad is a form of verse, often a narrative set to music, that has been a cornerstone of storytelling across various cultures. Traditionally passed down orally, ballads are known for their rhythmic structure and often tell tales of love, adventure, and heroism.

Ballads are characterized by their strong rhythm and repetition, making them both memorable and engaging. Here are some defining features:

  • Narrative Structure: Ballads typically tell a story, often a dramatic or emotional tale that unfolds in a straightforward, chronological order.
  • Quatrain Stanzas: Most ballads are composed of quatrains (four-line stanzas) with a rhyme scheme of ABAB or ABCB, which adds to the musicality of the verse.
  • Repetition: Refrains or repeated lines are common in ballads, helping to emphasize key themes or emotions and making the ballad easier to remember.
  • Oral Tradition: Many ballads originated from oral traditions, which means they were passed down through generations by word of mouth before being written down.

From medieval minstrels to contemporary songwriters, ballads have continued to evolve, remaining a beloved form of expression that captures the human experience in a way that is both poetic and accessible.