Literary nonsense is a broad categorization of literature that balances elements that make sense with others that do not, subverting language conventions or logical reasoning for effect. Nonsense verse is its most recognizable form, though the genre appears across many kinds of literature, and its humor derives from its illogical nature itself rather than from conventional wit; its nonsensical effects often come from an abundance of meaning rather than a shortage of it.
Facts
Place of OriginDeveloped in nineteenth-century England, popularized first by Edward Lear's A Book of Nonsense (1846) and then by Lewis Carroll's Alice's Adventures in Wonderland (1865) and Through the Looking-Glass (1871). 1 Notable ExampleLewis Carroll's poem Jabberwocky, appearing in Through the Looking-Glass (1871), is often considered the quintessential work of literary nonsense. 1 Defining TraitThe genre's effect typically comes from an excess of meaning rather than a lack of it, and its humor derives from its nonsensical nature rather than from wit or a punch line. 1 Connections
Sources
1. Literary Nonsense (Wikipedia)
Wikimedia Foundation (Wikipedia)lede, second paragraph
The effect of nonsense is often caused by an excess of meaning, rather than a lack of it. Its humor is derived from its nonsensical nature, rather than wit or the "joke" of a punch line.
History section
Carroll's poem "Jabberwocky", which appears in the latter book, is often considered quintessential nonsense literature.
lede
Literary nonsense (or nonsense literature) is a broad categorization of literature that balances elements that make sense with some that do not, with the effect of subverting language conventions or logical reasoning.
History section, Lear-Carroll paragraph
Lewis Carroll continued this trend, making literary nonsense a worldwide phenomenon with Alice's Adventures in Wonderland (1865) and Through the Looking-Glass (1871).
View the Source Reader Challenges (0)
No disputes yet. Spotted an error or a better source? Open the first one.
Sign in to dispute this or suggest a correction.