Limericks
A limerick is a short and witty poem composed of five lines. They are meant to be humorous and light-hearted. It follows a specific syllable pattern and rhyme scheme. Limericks were made popular by Edward Lear, a famous author who published "The Book of Nonsense" in the 1800s.
Key Characteristics:
Key Characteristics:
- Includes 5 lines
- Lines 1, 2 and 5:
- Have 8 syllables each
- End words rhyme
- Lines 3 and 4:
- Have 6 syllables each
- End words rhyme
- Rhyme Scheme = a a b b a (end words in "a" groupings rhyme / end words in "b" groupings rhyme)
- Meant to be humorous
- Last line contains the punch line
- Often contains hyperbole (a deliberate exaggeration)
- Often contains onomatopoeia (words that imitate sounds)