The Limerick
The limerick originated during the 14th century in England but gained popularity in the 1800s. Edward Lear wrote an entire book of limericks called Book of Nonsense in the mid 1800s. Most limericks are silly or humorous in nature and can be written on any topic.
Form
5 lines
aabba rhyme scheme
Between 7 and 10 syllables in the first two lines
Between 5 and 7 syllables in the second two lines
Between 7 and 10 syllables in the last line
Hyperbole, idoms, and puns are usually used
Usually has a "punch line" in the last line
aabba rhyme scheme
Between 7 and 10 syllables in the first two lines
Between 5 and 7 syllables in the second two lines
Between 7 and 10 syllables in the last line
Hyperbole, idoms, and puns are usually used
Usually has a "punch line" in the last line