Meaning
The book was immediately popular, possibly in part because it was believed to be a political commentary, but it is not clear exactly what readers thought was being satirised. It has been suggested that the character of Mother Hubbard may have its origins in St. Hubert, the dogs' saint. It has also been suggested that the rhyme refers to Cardinal Thomas Wolsey refusing Henry VIII's divorce from Queen Catherine of Aragon, but the connection is based on speculation.
Read more about this topic: Old Mother Hubbard
Famous quotes containing the word meaning:
“I am quite serious when I say that I do not believe there are, on the whole earth besides, so many intensified bores as in these United States. No man can form an adequate idea of the real meaning of the word, without coming here.”
—Charles Dickens (1812–1870)
“God ... created a number of possibilities in case some of his prototypes failed—that is the meaning of evolution.”
—Graham Greene (1904–1991)
“Shall we go learn to kiss, to kiss?
Never heart could ever miss
Comfort, where true meaning is.”
—Nicholas Breton (1542–1626)