The Old Woman Of Norwich

By Walter Crane

Limerick
    There was an old woman and what do you think?     She lived upon nothing but victuals and drink;     Victuals and drink were the chief of her diet,     Yet this plaguey old woman could never be quiet.

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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 playful and satirical piece, shaped in the form of a limerick, a form of verse that uses a distinct rhythmic and rhyming pattern. The use of humor and lightness masks the darker undertones of the poem, which speaks to human dissatisfaction despite abundance. The old woman is portrayed as having everything she needs—food and drink—yet she is never content or quiet.

The poem employs repetition as a key literary device to emphasize the woman's diet and her discontent. There's a rhythmic beat to the poem that gives it a sing-song quality, further enhancing its playful tone. However, beneath this playful surface lies a critique of human nature's constant desire for more, regardless of what we already possess. The poem can also be interpreted as a commentary on the human inability to appreciate what we have until we lose it. The tone is both humorous and subtly admonishing, reminding readers to be mindful of their blessings and not to let discontentment overshadow them.

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.