What is Nonsense Rhyme?

Nonsense rhyme is a type of light verse which is entertaining because of its rhythmic appeal and absurd or far fetched ideas. It particularly emphasizes rhythmic and sound effects over meaning. It also frequently makes use of absurd or unlikely situations or ideas.

Nonsense rhyme makes us laugh by associating disparate elements loosely, by using positive nonsense that is never intended to make sense, or by depicting situations where juxtaposed causes and effects do not match. Writers of nonsense verse often make up words and string them together in such a way as to frustrate or entertain the reader. There may be difficulty in paraphrasing nonsense rhyme however, it can be meaningful.

Edward Lear and Ogden Nash are two writers noted for their nonsense verses. Lewis Carroll is one of the most famous English writers of nonsense verse or rhyme.

Published on 23 Jan. 2014 by Kedar Nath Sharma