Humpty Dumpty

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Humpty Dumpty 1 - WW Denslow - Project Gutenberg etext 18546

Humpty

Humpty Dumpty Tenniel

Humpty Dumpty is a character in an English nursery rhyme, probably originally a riddle and one of the best known in the English-speaking world. He is typically portrayed as an anthropomorphic egg, though he is not explicitly described as such. The first recorded versions of the rhyme date from late eighteenth-century England and the tune from 1870 in James William Elliott's National Nursery Rhymes and Nursery Songs. Despite its simple lyrics, the character of Humpty Dumpty has been interpreted in various ways in literature and popular culture.

Origins and Meaning

The origins of the Humpty Dumpty character and its story are unclear. The character's name, Humpty Dumpty, first appeared in early 17th century England, and the term was used to describe a clumsy person. It is speculated that the rhyme could have originally been a riddle where the answer was 'egg', a theory supported by the fact that the rhyme does not explicitly state that Humpty Dumpty is an egg. Over time, the character became popularly associated with an anthropomorphic egg, and this imagery has been reinforced through illustrations and adaptations in children's literature.

Lyrics

The most common modern version of the rhyme is:

Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall,

Humpty Dumpty had a great fall.

All the king's horses and all the king's men

Couldn't put Humpty together again.

Interpretations

Various theories have been proposed regarding the figure of Humpty Dumpty and the meaning behind the nursery rhyme. Some historical interpretations have linked the character to Richard III, the humpbacked king, who was defeated at Battle of Bosworth Field. Another interpretation suggests that Humpty Dumpty was a large cannon used during the English Civil War, which fell from a battlement and could not be raised again. These interpretations, however, are speculative and not universally accepted.

Cultural Impact

Humpty Dumpty has had a significant impact on popular culture, appearing in various works of literature, art, and media. The character has been used in political cartoons and advertisements, and has appeared in numerous books, films, and television shows. The story of Humpty Dumpty is often seen as a cautionary tale about pride and the consequences of risk-taking.

In Literature and Media

The character of Humpty Dumpty has been featured in a wide range of literary works beyond the original nursery rhyme. Notably, Lewis Carroll's Through the Looking-Glass, where Humpty Dumpty is portrayed as an argumentative and philosophical character who discusses semantics and pragmatics with Alice. This portrayal has contributed significantly to the popular image of Humpty Dumpty as an egg.

See Also

• Nursery rhyme
• English folklore
• Lewis Carroll
• Through the Looking-Glass