From funny ones to lewd ones, moral ones to riddles, we all know a few limericks and have tried to compose them ourselves around the strict stylistic rules. Edward Lear, born on the 12th May 1812, popularised the form with his style of literary nonsense and love of the foolish. Lear brought us the well-known rhymes of The Owl and the Pussycat and was inspired in his writing by the grandchildren of his friend the Earl of Derby. He was proficient at the flute, guitar and piano, often putting his poetry to music.
Critics have often noted how Lear’s recourse to the fantastical and ridiculous provided a way for him to resist the strictness and monotony of Victorian England. It also allowed him to push against what he defined himself as fits of the ‘morbids’. Indeed in contrast to other stern Victorians, Lear gave us such wisdom as, ‘it's a fact the whole world knows, that Pobbles are happier without their toes’ and ‘what can we expect if we haven't any dinner, but to lose our teeth and eyelashes and keep on growing thinner?’. Lear was also known to introduce himself with a long pseudonym: ‘Mr Abebika kratoponoko Prizzikalo Kattefello Ablegorabalus Ableborinto phashyph’ or ‘Chakonoton the Cozovex Dossi Fossi Sini Tomentilla Coronilla Polentilla Battledore & Shuttlecock Derry down Derry Dumps.’ Lear was also a prolific painter, and despite many lingering health issues including limited vision in later life, he painted across the continent and into Asia and Africa.
Handsam can help you plan a literary inspired adventure with your students, which may or may not be so fantastical. Read about the recommended destinations on our English subject page, including the home of Jane Austen and the British Library. Or take your students to Shakespeare’s Globe or one of our other recommended theatres for drama trips. HandsamSchoolTripsAdvisor also has a trip planning service, to help you plan the perfect literary day.
