Humpty Dumpty Sat on a Wall
By Mother Goose
Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall,
Humpty Dumpty had a great fall;
All the king’s horses and all the king’s men
Could not put Humpty together again.
Summary of Humpty Dumpty Sat on a Wall
“Humpty Dumpty Sat on a Wall” is a beloved nursery rhyme first published in 1798 as part of Juvenile Amusements. The poem tells the simple story of Humpty Dumpty, an anthropomorphic egg, who sits on a wall, falls, and cannot be reconstructed, despite the efforts of the king’s entire army. Its enduring popularity stems from its memorable rhythm and rhyme, and its surprisingly resonant themes.
Beyond its surface simplicity, the poem has been interpreted in many ways. Some see it as a riddle—an unbreakable object once damaged is impossible to restore. Others suggest historical connections, linking Humpty Dumpty to the defeat of King Richard III at the Battle of Bosworth Field as a metaphor for a fall from power that no amount of force can rectify. Regardless of its origins, the poem’s central idea revolves around fragility, loss, and the irreversible nature of some events.
Literary Devices Used in Humpty Dumpty Sat on a Wall
Assonance and Consonance: The Music of Language
While deceptively simple, the poem employs subtle sound devices to enhance its memorability. Assonance, the repetition of vowel sounds, can be found in lines like “Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall,” with the repeated short “u” sound. Similarly, consonance, the repetition of consonant sounds, is noticeable in phrases like “All the king’s horses and all the king’s men,” emphasizing the “k” and “n” sounds. These techniques create a pleasing musicality that aids recall.
Anaphora: Emphasizing the Subject
Anaphora, the repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses, is clearly present in the first two lines: “Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall, / Humpty Dumpty had a great fall.” This repetition is not merely stylistic; it draws attention to the subject, Humpty Dumpty, and establishes the poem’s focus before introducing the pivotal event—the fall. It emphasizes that this particular character is the one experiencing the dramatic turn of events.
Enjambment: Creating Flow and Momentum
Enjambment occurs when a line of poetry does not end with punctuation, and the thought continues onto the next line. The lines “All the king’s horses and all the king’s men / Could not put Humpty together again” exemplify this. The sentence structure flows seamlessly from one line to the next, mirroring the unstoppable momentum of the fall and the futility of the attempt to repair the damage. It creates a sense of breathlessness and emphasizes the finality of Humpty Dumpty’s fate.
Irony: A Stark Reality
A subtle layer of irony underlies the poem. The image of “all the king’s horses and all the king’s men” conjures a sense of immense power and capability. Yet, despite their strength and resources, they are utterly helpless to mend Humpty Dumpty. This contrast between expectation and reality highlights the poem’s core message: some things, once broken, cannot be fixed, regardless of the effort expended.
Imagery: Painting a Picture in the Mind
The poem relies on simple, yet evocative imagery. Phrases like “Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall” and “a great fall” create clear mental pictures that are easily understood by young children. This visual quality contributes to the poem’s memorability and accessibility.
Metaphor and Symbolism: Beyond the Literal
While seemingly straightforward, the poem operates on a metaphorical level. Humpty Dumpty can be seen as a symbol of fragility, vulnerability, and the inevitability of loss. His fall represents a catastrophic event—a downfall from a position of stability. The inability of the king’s men to repair him suggests that some damages are irreparable. The wall itself can symbolize power, status, or a precarious position.
Poetic Devices Used in Humpty Dumpty Sat on a Wall
Diction: Simple and Direct Language
The poem’s diction – the choice of words – is deliberately simple and direct. It utilizes common, everyday language, making it accessible to young children. Every word is chosen for its clarity and immediate impact.
End Rhyme: Creating Musicality
The poem employs end rhyme, where the last words of lines rhyme with each other. The AABB rhyme scheme (“wall/fall,” “men/again”) contributes to the poem’s musicality and makes it easier to memorize. This rhythmic quality is a hallmark of nursery rhymes.
Quatrain and Rhyme Scheme: Form and Structure
The poem is composed of a single quatrain – a four‑line stanza. The AABB rhyme scheme reinforces the poem’s rhythmic and memorable quality. This simple structure enhances its accessibility and appeal to young readers.
Tone: A Blend of Playfulness and Somberness
The tone of the poem is intriguing. It begins with a playful image of an egg sitting on a wall, then shifts to a somber realization of its fall and the inability to restore it. This blend of lightheartedness and sadness contributes to the poem’s enduring appeal.
Quotes to be Used
The final lines, “All the king’s horses and all the king’s men / Could not put Humpty together again,” are particularly potent. They serve as a poignant reminder of the limits of power, the finality of loss, and the irreversible nature of some events. This quote is often used metaphorically to describe situations where irreparable damage has been done, or where attempts to fix a problem are futile.