More Problems with Mother Goose

A couple years back, I took a serious look at the classic rhymes of Mother Goose and realized that she really had some issues.  What kind of issues, you might wonder?  My theory is that Mother Goose's rhymes kept youngsters in line by terrorizing them with tales of child beatings, drownings, and the gruesome demise of old people and cute, cuddly animals.

Just to support my argument, I happened upon another book with additional gems, and thought I'd share them with you today!

Child whipping!  That's a comforting bedtime story:

I think I've gone over this before, but it bears repeating.  Being thrown down the stairs by an old lady and a goose is what you get for not saying your prayers:

Although Mother Goose herself is probably getting up there in years, she seems to take a dim view of other elderly women.  They're usually depicted as hags and nags who won't shut up:

Children tend to love animals, and the thought of talking mice having their heads snapped off can't be a pleasant one.  But Mother Goose doesn't hesitate to go there:

And then there's a sow that gets shot right through the heart.  Another delightful visual!

Cute little mice get butchered again in this familiar rhyme.  And visually impaired mice, at that!

Are we talking about social ostracism in "Polly Put the Kettle On"?  I wouldn't put it past Mother Goose!

So there you go.  More evidence of Mother Goose's psychological problems and evil nature at work!

Mitzi

Comments

[Sea Witch]

LOL, what a great blog post. I always thought Mother Goose had an edge to her.

[barbara]

Nursery rhymes? These are horror stories!

[sharon]

positively chilling! hahaha, she must of had some real issues indeed! have a great weekend, mitzi!!

[Mitzi Curi]

Hi Sharon,

Thanks, Im glad you feel the same way! Enjoy your weekend too!

Mitzi

[Mitzi Curi]

Hi Sea Witch,

Well, she was no Mr. Rogers, thats for sure!

Mitzi

[Mitzi Curi]

Hi Barbara,

Thats what Ive been saying.....

Mitzi

[jacqueline]

Dearest sweet Mitzi, i grew up with mother goose! This is such an interesting twist to it. I always thought it some of them were strange but since every kid reads them...i kinda just went along with it. Thanks so much for sharing this with us!!! Have a lovely merry happy Sunday and love to you!

[Mitzi Curi]

Hi Jacqueline,

I grew up with Mother Goose too because thats all we had. Now when I look back, it kinda scares me and makes me thankful for all the wonderful, happy childrens books that have come on the scene in modern times!

Have a wonderful week!

Mitzi