Nonsense Books · Character

The Yonghy-Bonghy-Bò

A tiny-bodied, large-headed suitor who courts Lady Jingly Jones with turkeys and candle-ends, only to be politely turned away.

major

Also known as Mr. Yonghy-Bonghy-Bò, Mr. Yonghy

First appearance: The Courtship of the Yonghy-Bonghy-Bò

As a major figure in Nonsense Books, The Yonghy-Bonghy-Bò is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Described as having a head much bigger than his body and a rather small hat.

In the storyTwenty-Six Nonsense Rhymes and PicturesOpen this moment free

The Yonghy-Bonghy-Bò lives on the coast of Coromandel and loves Lady Jingly Jones, offering her his jug without a handle and his three Dorkings. She cannot return his affection and asks him, kindly, to go away. He flees down the slopes of Myrtle to a large and lively Turtle, and his sad, absurd departure gives the book its tenderest portrait of rejection.

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Character Web

6 connections

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Relationship types

Other

Character groups

Sad romantic figures
Protagonist
Miscellaneous nonsense characters
Nonsense animal groups

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Rising action.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

Lady Jingly’s tearful confession that she already has a mate in England delivers the emotional peak of unfulfi…

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In the story

The Yonghy-Bonghy-Bò appears across 14 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Twenty-Six Nonsense Rhymes and Pictures
Described as having a head much bigger than his body and a rather small hat.
Laughable Lyrics: A Fourth Book of Nonsense Poems, Songs, Botany, Music, etc.
The Yonghy-Bonghy-Bò proposes to Lady Jingly Jones, is rejected due to poverty, and departs on a Turtle, leaving her mourning.
Laughable Lyrics
The Yonghy-Bonghy-Bò proposes to Lady Jingly Jones but is rejected because she is already married; he then flees on a turtle.
The Courtship of the Yonghy-Bonghy-Bò
Proposes marriage to Lady Jingly Jones, is rejected, and flees on a Turtle.
I
Introduced as a solitary figure living in the woods on the Coast of Coromandel with minimal possessions.
II
Walking among the Bong-trees, he hears Lady Jingly Jones talking and identifies her.
III
Proposes to Lady Jingly Jones, expressing loneliness and desire for companionship.
IV
Speaks of the Coast of Coromandel, offers his chairs, candle, and jug, and declares his love.
V
Proposes to Lady Jingly Jones but is turned away.
VI
Mr. Yonghy-Bonghy-Bò is addressed by Mr. Jones, who advises him to keep his chairs, candle, and jug without a handle.
VII
Addressed by Lady Jingly Jones, who comments on his tiny body and large head.
VIII
Flees to the sea and persuades a turtle to carry him away.
IX
Rides the Turtle across the ocean, singing farewell to Lady Jingly Jones.
The Yonghy-Bonghy-Bò
Departed in his jug without a handle, leaving Lady Jingly behind

Chapter companion notes

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See The Yonghy-Bonghy-Bò in The Courtship of the Yonghy-Bonghy-Bò

See The Yonghy-Bonghy-Bò in Twenty-Six Nonsense Rhymes and Pictures