English Literature Case Study, A trip on learning about a society’s viewpoint through nursery rhymes eventually led me to discover the substance of context in historical, political, and social matters which are often given through allegory and metaphor. To demonstrate this, “The lion and the unicorn” is a metaphor that combines the lion to represent the Scots. Also, the unicorn to signify the English, who were unified under James I in 1603 after a long chain of rivalry. Social progress results when we express our feelings.
“Humpty Dumpty,’ which is an image of a cannon used for the English Civil War in the 17th century. It may appear as a funny picture at the onset. But, a rescue mission before the outbreak of the war. The poem’s rhyme poetically presents Cromwell’s cannon’s fall and the victory of the cavaliers. APA
English Literature Assignment
“Eeny Meeny Miny Mo” is one of the memorable examples of the case of an offensive racial language where the language of the past is unacceptable. But the nursery rhymes are still valuable so a modern audience can modify it so as to avoid the language of the past.
“Lucy Locket,” though a passing comment, indeed is an accurate description of the lives of two famous courtesans during the feudal rule of Charles II. One can thus understand how an individual had to conduct himself/herself in a patriarchal society..
Cultural and Psychological Implications
We mistakenly believe that these nursery rhymes are merely harmless pastimes. The author Lucy Rollin argues that these rhymes actually include hidden themes of violence, death, and injustice. These concepts have an effect on adult life as well. Thus making them even more important sources of information about the historical social and cultural context of the time. For example, the songs that appear to be joyful and dancing could not be related to the suffering and mistreatment. The poet is attempting to convey in the verses. This includes, “Here we go round the mulberry bush,” which is about the depressing tales of women inmates in
These rhymes are the products of the amazing minds of parents. This turns us ready to express their love in a way that would appeal to their children. Yet, it’s the complexity of these rhymes that has made them a well-known part of children’s literature.