“Hey Diddle Diddle” by Mother Goose: A Critical Analysis

Introduction: “Hey Diddle Diddle” by Mother Goose

“Hey Diddle Diddle” by Mother Goose first appeared in print in 1765 within the collection Mother Goose’s Melody. This charming nursery rhyme, often featuring a whimsical cast of characters—a cat, a fiddle, a cow, and the moon—has been used over the years to entertain young children, often evoking a sense of magic and playfulness. Its main ideas revolve around the joy of imaginative play and the surreal, using delightful and nonsensical imagery to captivate children and adults alike. The rhyme’s enduring popularity is largely due to its rhythmic simplicity and the vivid imagery that easily captures the imagination, creating a playful scene that feels timeless and universally engaging.

Text: “Hey Diddle Diddle” by Mother Goose

Annotations: “Hey Diddle Diddle” by Mother Goose

Line	Annotation
Hey, diddle, diddle	This introductory phrase is a playful, nonsensical expression that sets a lighthearted and whimsical tone for the rhyme. The phrase “diddle” serves as filler, focusing the reader on rhythm and sound, rather than meaning, and primes the imagination for the surreal events that follow.
The cat and the fiddle	The pairing of a cat with a fiddle is an odd and whimsical choice, illustrating the nonsensical nature of the rhyme. The cat, typically a playful and independent animal, is here associated with music-making, which adds an unexpected layer of creativity and fun to the scene, inviting children to imagine animals doing human-like activities.
The cow jumped over the moon	This line is perhaps the most iconic, presenting an impossible scenario that appeals to a child’s imagination. A cow jumping over the moon defies the laws of physics and reality, reinforcing the rhyme’s playful, dreamlike quality. The image suggests that anything is possible in the world of the rhyme.
The little dog laughed	The image of a dog laughing anthropomorphizes the animal, giving it a human trait and adding to the humorous atmosphere. The dog’s laughter serves as a response to the absurdity of the previous events, allowing the reader or listener to share in the lighthearted enjoyment of the scenario.
To see such sport	This line implies that the events—the cat playing the fiddle, the cow’s jump, and the dog’s laughter—are all part of a playful game or spectacle. The term “sport” underscores the rhyme’s theme of playfulness and enjoyment, emphasizing that the characters are engaging in harmless, silly fun.
And the dish ran away with the spoon	This concluding line adds a final twist of whimsy, presenting the inanimate objects of a dish and spoon as if they were alive and capable of action. Their “running away” together implies a bond or relationship, giving personality to everyday objects and ending the rhyme on a fantastical note that reinforces its surreal nature.

Literary And Poetic Devices: “Hey Diddle Diddle” by Mother Goose

Literary/Poetic Device	Example	Explanation
Alliteration	“Hey, diddle, diddle”	The repetition of the “d” sound in “diddle, diddle” creates rhythm and a pleasing sound, enhancing the musical quality of the rhyme.
Anthropomorphism	“The little dog laughed”	Giving human characteristics (laughter) to a dog, this device adds humor and makes the characters more relatable and animated.
Assonance	“The cat and the fiddle”	The repetition of the “a” sound in “cat” and “and” adds musicality to the line, contributing to the overall rhythm of the rhyme.
Consonance	“Hey, diddle, diddle”	The repeated “d” sound in “diddle” is an example of consonance, creating a catchy, rhythmic effect.
End Rhyme	“moon” / “spoon”	The words “moon” and “spoon” rhyme, providing a satisfying closure to each line and enhancing the musicality of the rhyme.
Hyperbole	“The cow jumped over the moon”	This line exaggerates an event to an impossible degree (a cow jumping over the moon), adding humor and surrealism.
Imagery	“The cow jumped over the moon”	This line creates a visual image of a cow leaping over the moon, encouraging imaginative visualization.
Internal Rhyme	“Hey, diddle, diddle”	The rhyme within a single line between “Hey” and “diddle” reinforces the playful tone of the poem.
Irony	“The dish ran away with the spoon”	It’s unexpected and ironic that inanimate objects like a dish and spoon could “run away,” creating a humorous twist.
Juxtaposition	“The cat and the fiddle”	The pairing of a common pet (the cat) with a musical instrument (the fiddle) creates an amusing contrast that contributes to the rhyme’s whimsy.
Metaphor	“The dish ran away with the spoon”	Implies a bond or relationship between the dish and the spoon, symbolizing partnership or adventure in a whimsical way.
Onomatopoeia	“Hey, diddle, diddle”	Although “diddle” doesn’t represent a specific sound, it imitates a playful rhythm, suggesting sound through nonsensical words.
Paradox	“The cow jumped over the moon”	Presents an impossible situation that challenges reality, aligning with the rhyme’s surreal atmosphere.
Personification	“The little dog laughed”	Gives a dog the human ability to laugh, adding personality to the animal and enhancing the poem’s imaginative quality.
Playfulness	Entire poem	The nonsensical and whimsical elements throughout create a playful tone, inviting readers into a fantasy world where anything is possible.
Repetition	“Hey, diddle, diddle”	Repeating the phrase adds rhythm and helps emphasize the playful tone of the poem, making it memorable for young readers.
Rhyme Scheme	AABCCB	The rhyme scheme (moon/spoon and fiddle/diddle) provides structure and musicality to the poem, aiding in its memorability.
Surrealism	Entire poem	The poem’s scenarios, like the cow jumping over the moon and the dish running away with the spoon, create a dream-like quality that is both absurd and imaginative.
Symbolism	“The dish ran away with the spoon”	Represents companionship or rebellion against norms, giving the dish and spoon a human-like relationship in a whimsical scenario.
Tone	Entire poem	The tone is lighthearted and playful, set by the nonsensical events and rhythmic structure, making it enjoyable and engaging for children and adults alike.

Themes: “Hey Diddle Diddle” by Mother Goose

1. Imagination and Fantasy: The poem’s central theme is imagination, presenting a world where animals play instruments and dishes run away with spoons. The surreal image of “The cow jumped over the moon” defies reality and invites readers to engage in a realm of impossible scenarios. This line exemplifies the freedom of fantasy, encouraging children and adults alike to think beyond the limitations of reality and embrace the magical possibilities of storytelling.
2. Playfulness and Joy: Playfulness is woven into each line, as seen in the rhyme’s tone and structure. The line “The little dog laughed to see such sport” captures the joy and amusement present in the poem’s world. By personifying animals and objects to act in unconventional ways, the rhyme fosters a sense of humor and lightheartedness. This theme reinforces the value of laughter and fun, appealing to a child’s sense of wonder and play.
3. Unlikely Friendship and Companionship: The rhyme subtly touches on companionship, especially in the line “And the dish ran away with the spoon.” Although humorous, this moment hints at a bond between two unlikely characters, reinforcing a sense of camaraderie and togetherness. Their escape represents a playful form of partnership, suggesting that friendship can exist in unexpected forms and places, adding warmth to the whimsical narrative.
4. Breaking Boundaries and Defying Expectations: By presenting a world where animals and objects act beyond their traditional roles, the poem explores the theme of defying norms. The cow’s impossible leap “over the moon” represents a rebellion against physical limitations, while the dish and spoon’s escape symbolizes freedom from routine. Through these playful disruptions, the rhyme encourages readers to challenge conventions and imagine a world with limitless possibilities.

Literary Theories and “Hey Diddle Diddle” by Mother Goose

Literary Theory	Application to “Hey Diddle Diddle”	Explanation
Psychoanalytic Theory	“The cow jumped over the moon”	From a psychoanalytic perspective, this surreal imagery can be seen as a manifestation of the unconscious, where impossible and whimsical desires (such as a cow jumping over the moon) represent a child’s natural inclination toward fantasy and imagination as a form of wish fulfillment.
Structuralism	Use of familiar structures like rhyme and anthropomorphism	Structuralism examines the underlying structure of nursery rhymes, with repetitive patterns and rhyming schemes. In “Hey Diddle Diddle,” the AABCCB rhyme scheme and familiar archetypes (talking animals, laughing dogs) reinforce its accessibility and memorability, highlighting the universal appeal of rhythm and structure.
Marxist Theory	“And the dish ran away with the spoon”	Marxist theory could interpret the dish and spoon’s “escape” as symbolic of a break from societal norms or roles. By portraying common objects defying expectations, this line subtly encourages a questioning of traditional structures and a playful rebellion, reflecting ideals of individual freedom and autonomy.

Critical Questions about “Hey Diddle Diddle” by Mother Goose

• What role does absurdity play in the poem, and how does it contribute to its appeal?
• Absurdity is central to “Hey Diddle Diddle,” drawing readers into a whimsical world where the impossible feels possible. The line “The cow jumped over the moon” exemplifies this absurdity by presenting an event that defies the laws of physics and logic. This nonsensical quality appeals to both children and adults, allowing readers to suspend reality and embrace imagination. Absurdity makes the poem memorable, with each impossible scenario—such as the dish and spoon running away—leaving readers with a sense of joy and wonder. By welcoming absurdity, the rhyme encourages a playful outlook, where anything can happen in the realm of fantasy.
• How does personification enhance the theme of playfulness in the poem?
• Personification in “Hey Diddle Diddle” assigns human characteristics to animals and objects, enhancing the lighthearted, playful tone of the poem. The line “The little dog laughed to see such sport” portrays the dog as capable of laughter, a distinctly human behavior, which makes the scene even more amusing. Similarly, the dish “ran away with the spoon,” giving life to inanimate objects as they join in the mischief. By attributing these human traits, the poem blurs the line between reality and fantasy, emphasizing a carefree spirit that invites readers to share in the animals’ enjoyment and disregard for convention.
• What underlying message about freedom or breaking boundaries might the poem suggest?
• “Hey Diddle Diddle” subtly conveys themes of freedom and the desire to break boundaries, particularly through the line “The cow jumped over the moon.” This image represents a daring, impossible feat, symbolizing a break from the mundane or the conventional. Similarly, the dish and spoon “ran away” together, suggesting a desire to escape their usual roles as everyday kitchen items. These acts of boundary-crossing serve as a playful rebellion against reality and routine, hinting at a message that values exploration, freedom, and the imagination’s ability to envision a world beyond the ordinary.
• Why might “Hey Diddle Diddle” resonate with readers across generations?
• “Hey Diddle Diddle” resonates across generations due to its simplicity, rhythmic structure, and universal appeal to imagination. Lines like “The cat and the fiddle” and “The little dog laughed to see such sport” are straightforward yet evocative, using rhyme and rhythm to make the poem easy to remember. The fantastical scenes—such as a laughing dog and a cow leaping over the moon—transcend age by appealing to a shared sense of wonder and joy. This timeless appeal is rooted in the poem’s ability to transport readers into a world where the rules of reality do not apply, capturing the essence of childhood curiosity and delight in the impossible.

Literary Works Similar to “Hey Diddle Diddle” by Mother Goose

1. “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star” by Jane Taylor
   Like “Hey Diddle Diddle,” this poem combines rhyme and rhythm to captivate children with whimsical imagery, fostering a sense of wonder and imagination.
2. “The Owl and the Pussycat” by Edward Lear
   This poem shares a playful tone and surreal imagery, following unlikely animal companions in a fantastical adventure that defies reality.
3. “Jabberwocky” by Lewis Carroll
   Known for its nonsensical language and whimsical nature, “Jabberwocky” engages readers with its playful, surreal world, much like the impossible scenes in “Hey Diddle Diddle.”
4. “Sing a Song of Sixpence” (Traditional)
   This nursery rhyme mirrors the imaginative, rhythmic, and humorous qualities of “Hey Diddle Diddle,” featuring absurd events that invite laughter and curiosity.
5. “There Was an Old Woman Who Lived in a Shoe” (Traditional)
   With its rhyming structure and outlandish story, this poem appeals to young audiences in a similar way, blending humor and the absurd in a memorable, rhythmic form.

Representative Quotations of “Hey Diddle Diddle” by Mother Goose

Quotation	Context	Theoretical Perspective
“Hey, diddle, diddle”	An opening line setting a playful, nonsensical tone for the rhyme.	Structuralism: The phrase is an example of formulaic language in nursery rhymes, creating rhythmic expectations and setting the stage.
“The cat and the fiddle”	Introduces an unusual scene where a cat is associated with playing music.	Surrealism: The unexpected pairing encourages a dreamlike interpretation of animals in human roles, engaging imaginative thinking.
“The cow jumped over the moon”	Presents an impossible act, reinforcing the fantastical nature of the rhyme.	Psychoanalytic Theory: Symbolizes unconscious desire to break boundaries and explore beyond the ordinary.
“The little dog laughed”	Personifies the dog, showing it reacting to the spectacle.	Anthropomorphism: Assigning human emotions to animals highlights the playful nature and appeals to childlike imagination.
“To see such sport”	Reflects on the scene as playful entertainment, suggesting joy in witnessing the spectacle.	Reader-Response Theory: Encourages the audience to share in the laughter and see the rhyme as an enjoyable, shared experience.
“And the dish ran away”	Adds to the whimsy by giving life and action to an inanimate object.	Postmodernism: Challenges the boundaries between animate and inanimate, questioning norms in a playful, subversive way.
“With the spoon”	Completes the image of dish and spoon as a pair, suggesting companionship.	Symbolism: The pairing represents unity and friendship, adding relational depth to the whimsical events.
“The cat”	Frequently used in nursery rhymes, the cat represents a familiar, domesticated animal.	Archetypal Theory: The cat, a common figure in children’s literature, appeals to familiar archetypes in the child’s subconscious.
“The moon”	Serves as an unreachable goal for the cow’s leap, representing aspiration or fantasy.	Romanticism: The moon symbolizes idealized imagination and the fantastical, inspiring wonder and exploration.
“Sport”	Refers to the spectacle created by the animals and objects, viewed as entertainment.	Marxist Theory: Can be interpreted as a brief escape or amusement that distracts from ordinary roles and societal expectations.

Suggested Readings: “Hey Diddle Diddle” by Mother Goose

1. Hickerson, Joseph C., and Alan Dundes. “Mother Goose Vice Verse.” The Journal of American Folklore, vol. 75, no. 297, 1962, pp. 249–59. JSTOR, https://doi.org/10.2307/537726. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.
2. Young, Cindy, and Wendy Moulding. “Mathematics and Mother Goose.” Teaching Children Mathematics, vol. 1, no. 1, 1994, pp. 36–38. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/41196138. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.
3. McDONALD, BOYD. “My Mother Goose.” Southwest Review, vol. 36, no. 1, 1951, pp. 64–66. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/43463646. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.
4. Chaparro, Jacqueline L. “From the Cradle to the Classroom.” Language Arts, vol. 56, no. 3, 1979, pp. 256–61. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/41404793. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.