“Little Bo-Peep” by Mother Goose: A Critical Analysis

Introduction: “Little Bo-Peep” by Mother Goose

“Little Bo-Peep” by Mother Goose first appeared in print around 1805 in the collection Gammer Gurton’s Garland. It has been used widely in English nursery rhyme traditions and literature, captivating audiences with its simple yet engaging storyline of a young shepherdess who loses her sheep. The main ideas of the rhyme center on themes of responsibility, loss, and eventual recovery, making it relatable for both children and adults alike. Its popularity stems from its catchy, rhythmic structure and the memorable narrative that teaches patience and hope, as Bo-Peep’s sheep eventually come back to her “wagging their tails behind them.” This enduring appeal has allowed “Little Bo-Peep” to remain a staple in children’s literature, fostering imagination and conveying life lessons through accessible language and a gentle, humorous tone.

Text: “Little Bo-Peep” by Mother Goose

Annotations: “Little Bo-Peep” by Mother Goose

Line	Annotation	Devices
Little Bo-Peep has lost her sheep,	Introduction to Bo-Peep’s situation; highlights her distress.	Personification, rhyme (AA)
And can’t tell where to find them;	Emphasizes her helplessness in finding the sheep.	Rhyme (BB)
Leave them alone, and they’ll come home,	Suggests patience and optimism with advice to “leave them alone.”	Repetition, rhyme (AA)
Bringing their tails behind them.	Visual imagery of sheep returning with their tails.	Imagery, rhyme, repetition
Little Bo-Peep fell fast asleep,	Bo-Peep falls asleep; alliteration in “fell fast.”	Alliteration, rhyme (AA)
And dreamt she heard them bleating;	Bo-Peep dreams of sheep sounds; auditory imagery with “bleating.”	Auditory imagery, rhyme (BB)
But when she awoke, she found it a joke,	Her hopes dashed; “joke” serves as metaphor for disappointment.	Metaphor, rhyme (AA)
For they were still all fleeting.	Sheep remain missing, representing their elusiveness.	Rhyme (BB)
Then up she took her little crook,	Bo-Peep takes action with her crook, showing determination.	Symbolism, rhyme (AA)
Determined for to find them;	Emphasizes her resolve to locate the sheep.	Rhyme (BB)
She found them indeed, but it made her heart bleed,	Emotional reaction upon finding sheep tails missing.	Imagery, rhyme (AA)
For they’d left their tails behind them.	Repetition reinforces the sheep’s state and Bo-Peep’s despair.	Repetition, rhyme (BB)
It happened one day, as Bo-Peep did stray	Bo-Peep wanders, searching in a new scene.	Setting, rhyme (AA)
Into a meadow hard by,	Meadow setting adds to pastoral imagery.	Imagery, rhyme (BB)
There she espied their tails, side by side,	Surreal image of tails hung neatly; suggests odd discovery.	Visual imagery, rhyme (AA)
All hung on a tree to dry.	Visual depiction of tails drying; adds humor and surreal quality.	Visual imagery, rhyme (BB)
She heaved a sigh and wiped her eye,	Bo-Peep’s sadness; sighing and wiping eyes conveys her sorrow.	Action imagery, rhyme (AA)
And over the hillocks she raced;	Shows Bo-Peep’s determined action as she moves quickly over hills.	Action, rhyme (BB)
And tried what she could, as a shepherdess should,	Reflects her duty and perseverance in her role.	Characterization, rhyme (AA)
That each tail be properly placed.	Resolution as Bo-Peep restores the tails, highlighting responsibility and care.	Closure, rhyme (BB)

Literary And Poetic Devices: “Little Bo-Peep” by Mother Goose

Device	Example	Explanation
Alliteration	“Little Bo-Peep fell fast asleep”	Repetition of the “f” sound adds rhythm and emphasis.
Allusion	“Little Bo-Peep”	Refers to traditional folklore; Bo-Peep is a character archetype of a young shepherdess.
Anaphora	“And can’t tell where to find them; / And dreamt she heard them bleating”	Repetition of “And” at line beginnings emphasizes sequential events.
Assonance	“Leave them alone, and they’ll come home”	Repetition of the “e” vowel sound creates a soothing, sing-song quality.
Consonance	“Leave them alone, and they’ll come home”	Repetition of “l” and “m” sounds adds to the melodic rhythm.
Couplet	Each pair of rhyming lines	The rhyme scheme follows a couplet structure, creating a rhythmic pattern throughout.
End Rhyme	“Little Bo-Peep has lost her sheep”	“Sheep” and “sleep” create rhyme at the ends of lines, enhancing rhythm and memorability.
Hyperbole	“Made her heart bleed”	Exaggerates her sorrow, showing the depth of Bo-Peep’s sadness.
Imagery	“Bringing their tails behind them”	Creates a vivid picture of the sheep returning with tails “behind.”
Irony	“She found them indeed, but it made her heart bleed”	She finds the sheep but they are missing their tails, an unexpected and ironic twist.
Juxtaposition	“Bo-Peep did stray / Into a meadow hard by”	The contrast between straying and discovery of the tails shows the unpredictable nature of events.
Metaphor	“She found it a joke”	Refers to her disappointment; the loss and search become a metaphor for a lesson on patience.
Onomatopoeia	“Bleating”	The word mimics the sound of sheep, adding an auditory image.
Personification	“Little Bo-Peep”	Bo-Peep embodies human traits; “lost her sheep” suggests responsibility and care.
Repetition	“Leave them alone, and they’ll come home, / Bringing their tails behind them”	Repeating “behind them” reinforces the sheep’s state.
Rhyme Scheme	“AA BB CC…”	The poem follows an AA BB couplet rhyme scheme, adding structure.
Setting	“Into a meadow hard by”	Describes a countryside scene, adding pastoral elements typical of folk tales.
Simile	None explicit but implied in tone	The narrative’s soft tone evokes comparisons with gentle pastoral and childhood tales.
Symbolism	“Little crook”	Represents Bo-Peep’s role as a shepherdess, symbolizing care and responsibility.
Tone	Gentle, whimsical	The gentle tone balances humor and a subtle life lesson on patience and responsibility.

Themes: “Little Bo-Peep” by Mother Goose

1. Responsibility and Care: The theme of responsibility is central to “Little Bo-Peep,” as the young shepherdess is tasked with looking after her sheep, symbolized by her “little crook.” Her distress at losing them, as described in the line “Little Bo-Peep has lost her sheep, and can’t tell where to find them,” reflects the weight of her duty. Her efforts to search for the lost sheep further emphasize the sense of responsibility she feels, a characteristic often associated with pastoral figures and a subtle reminder of the importance of care and dedication.
2. Patience and Acceptance: The nursery rhyme explores the value of patience, especially in the face of situations beyond one’s control. The line “Leave them alone, and they’ll come home” suggests a lesson in patience and letting go, implying that some things cannot be forced and may resolve on their own. This advice serves as a form of guidance to Bo-Peep, who must accept her circumstances and trust that her sheep may return in their own time, introducing a timeless message about the virtue of waiting and hope.
3. Loss and Recovery: The theme of loss permeates the poem, particularly in Bo-Peep’s emotional journey after losing her sheep. She dreams of them returning, “but when she awoke, she found it a joke, for they were still all fleeting.” This line highlights her sadness and the bittersweet nature of hope when faced with absence. Ultimately, Bo-Peep does recover the sheep, though they “left their tails behind them,” suggesting that recovery is often incomplete and sometimes marked by lingering losses or imperfections.
4. Humor and Resilience: The poem incorporates humor, especially in the unexpected twist where Bo-Peep finds her sheep but not their tails, as described by “There she espied their tails, side by side, all hung on a tree to dry.” This surreal image provides a lighthearted tone, transforming the story into one of resilience. Bo-Peep’s response—racing over hillocks and attempting to “properly place” each tail—emphasizes her determination and adaptability, conveying that challenges can be met with both humor and persistence.

Literary Theories and “Little Bo-Peep” by Mother Goose

Literary Theory	Explanation	References from the Poem
Psychoanalytic Theory	This theory examines subconscious desires, fears, and inner conflicts of characters.	Bo-Peep’s distress and subconscious longing are reflected in her dream of hearing the sheep “bleating,” symbolizing her deep-seated anxiety and hope. The poem explores her psychological state as she experiences loss, hope, and disappointment.
Structuralism	Structuralism focuses on the narrative structure, patterns, and binary oppositions within a text.	The repetitive rhyme scheme (AA BB) and the structure of “problem-resolution” (losing and eventually finding the sheep) contribute to the nursery rhyme’s appeal and coherence. The binary oppositions of loss/recovery and presence/absence drive the poem’s structure.
Feminist Theory	Feminist theory examines gender roles, highlighting societal expectations for female characters.	Bo-Peep, as a female character, embodies the traditional role of a caregiver, evident in her role as a shepherdess. Her distress and responsibility reflect expectations placed on women to be nurturing and diligent, reinforcing her as a gentle, caring figure in a pastoral context.

Critical Questions about “Little Bo-Peep” by Mother Goose

• What does Bo-Peep’s reaction to losing her sheep reveal about her character?
• Bo-Peep’s initial reaction to losing her sheep—”can’t tell where to find them”—shows her as a young, perhaps inexperienced shepherdess who feels helpless and uncertain about what to do. Her later actions, including her determination to search with her “little crook,” demonstrate resilience and a growing sense of responsibility. Her emotional responses, from dreaming hopefully about their return to sighing and wiping her eyes, illustrate her caring nature and attachment to her flock. This characterization reflects traditional qualities associated with a shepherd, who is both protective and deeply invested in the welfare of those under her care.
• How does the poem explore the concept of loss and recovery, and what message does it convey about these experiences?
• The poem presents loss through Bo-Peep’s distress over her missing sheep and her anxious search to recover them. Her journey from loss to recovery is bittersweet, as she finds her sheep, but “they’d left their tails behind them,” symbolizing that recovery is not always complete. This outcome suggests that while efforts to restore what is lost can be fruitful, some losses leave lasting effects or partial recovery. The message is subtle but poignant: recovery often brings mixed emotions, balancing joy in finding what was lost with a sense of change or incompleteness.
• What role does humor play in the narrative, and how does it affect the tone of the poem?
• Humor is woven into the poem through its unexpected twist—Bo-Peep’s sheep return without their tails, which she later finds “all hung on a tree to dry.” This whimsical detail lightens the tone, adding a playful element that balances the sadness of loss. Rather than presenting Bo-Peep’s experience as purely tragic, the humor offers a lighthearted perspective on mishaps and misfortune. It reminds readers, especially children, that setbacks can be approached with resilience and perhaps a sense of amusement, encouraging a balanced emotional response to life’s unpredictable challenges.
• How does “Little Bo-Peep” reflect societal expectations of women, especially regarding caregiving and responsibility?
• Bo-Peep’s role as a shepherdess embodies traditional expectations of women as caregivers, responsible for others’ welfare. Her distress at losing the sheep and her determined search convey her sense of duty, reinforcing the expectation that women should be attentive, nurturing, and diligent in their responsibilities. This portrayal reflects historical gender roles, where women were often depicted in pastoral and domestic roles associated with care and patience. Bo-Peep’s actions serve as a model of female diligence, empathy, and responsibility, subtly reinforcing societal norms for women in a context that is accessible and memorable for young readers.

Literary Works Similar to “Little Bo-Peep” by Mother Goose

1. “Baa Baa Black Sheep“ – This nursery rhyme also centers around sheep and explores themes of giving and receiving, along with the interaction between a child and animals, similar to Bo-Peep’s connection to her flock.
2. “Mary Had a Little Lamb” – Like “Little Bo-Peep,” this poem features a young girl’s bond with her animal, emphasizing themes of attachment, care, and innocence.
3. “Hey Diddle Diddle“ – This whimsical poem shares “Little Bo-Peep”‘s playful tone and surreal imagery, creating a fantastical world that delights young audiences.
4. “The Old Woman Who Lived in a Shoe” – Both poems portray caretakers dealing with unexpected challenges in a lighthearted manner, underscoring themes of resilience and responsibility.
5. “Jack and Jill“ – This rhyme involves characters facing mishaps, much like Bo-Peep’s lost sheep, and reflects a simple narrative arc with a blend of humor and lessons in perseverance.

Representative Quotations of “Little Bo-Peep” by Mother Goose

Quotation	Context	Theoretical Perspective
“Little Bo-Peep has lost her sheep”	Introduces Bo-Peep’s problem, setting up the main narrative.	Psychoanalytic – Bo-Peep’s loss can symbolize deeper anxieties or fears.
“And can’t tell where to find them”	Highlights her helplessness and lack of control in the situation.	Structuralism – Represents a binary opposition of knowledge/ignorance.
“Leave them alone, and they’ll come home”	Suggests a patient approach, advising Bo-Peep to wait.	Moral – Reflects the value of patience and faith in resolution.
“Bringing their tails behind them”	Implies that the sheep will return but may not be exactly as expected.	Realism – Illustrates the reality of loss and imperfect recovery.
“Little Bo-Peep fell fast asleep”	Bo-Peep’s dream state introduces a moment of subconscious hopes or desires.	Psychoanalytic – Sleep and dreams reveal her inner longing for the sheep’s return.
“She dreamt she heard them bleating”	Bo-Peep imagines the sheep’s return, reflecting hope even in rest.	Psychoanalytic – Dreams act as wish fulfillment in Freudian terms.
“But when she awoke, she found it a joke”	The reality differs from her dream, revealing her disappointment.	Irony – The contrast between dream and reality emphasizes the unpredictability of life.
“For they were still all fleeting”	Reinforces the sheep’s elusive nature, symbolizing instability.	Existentialism – Highlights themes of uncertainty and the fleeting nature of things.
“There she espied their tails, side by side”	Bo-Peep finds the tails without the sheep, a humorous yet bittersweet discovery.	Surrealism – The unexpected, surreal image challenges conventional expectations.
“And tried what she could, as a shepherdess should”	Bo-Peep works to restore the tails, reflecting her sense of duty.	Feminist – Emphasizes societal expectations of women as caretakers and nurturers.

Suggested Readings: “Little Bo-Peep” by Mother Goose

1. Allen, H. Merian. “The Genesis of Some Nursery Lore.” The Sewanee Review, vol. 25, no. 3, 1917, pp. 361–66. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/27533034. Accessed 6 Nov. 2024.
2. Schacker, Jennifer. “Fairy Gold: The Economics and Erotics of Fairy-Tale Pantomime.” Marvels & Tales, vol. 26, no. 2, 2012, pp. 153–77. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/41702507. Accessed 6 Nov. 2024.
3. CRONIN, BERNICE M. “MOTHER GOOSE IN THE KINDERGARTEN.” The Elementary English Review, vol. 3, no. 10, 1926, pp. 321–25. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/41382183. Accessed 6 Nov. 2024.
4. Parrish, Maxfield, and L. Frank Baum. “Mother Goose in Prose.” Brush and Pencil, vol. 1, no. 4, 1898, pp. 126–28. JSTOR, https://doi.org/10.2307/25505205. Accessed 6 Nov. 2024.