The Dark Origins of Nursery Rhymes

The Dark Origins of Nursery Rhymes

Assessment

Interactive Video

History, English, Arts

9th - 12th Grade

Hard

Created by

Liam Anderson

FREE Resource

The video explores the dark origins of popular nursery rhymes, revealing their connections to historical events and figures. From the plague-inspired 'Ring Around the Rosie' to the human sacrifice tales of 'London Bridge is Falling Down', these rhymes often have sinister backstories. The video also delves into the influence of historical figures like Bloody Mary and King Henry VIII on rhymes such as 'Mary, Mary, Quite Contrary' and 'Goosey Gander'. Additionally, it uncovers the royal scandals behind 'Georgie Porgie' and 'Jack and Jill', and the prison origins of 'Here We Go Round the Mulberry Bush'.

Read more

10 questions

Show all answers

1.

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

30 sec • 1 pt

What is the main theme introduced in the beginning of the video?

The works of Edgar Allen Poe

The life of Mother Goose

The dark origins of nursery rhymes

The history of children's games

2.

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

30 sec • 1 pt

What historical event is 'Ring around the Rosie' associated with?

The Great Fire of London

The French Revolution

The Great Plague of London

The Viking Invasion

3.

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

30 sec • 1 pt

What dark practice is linked to the nursery rhyme 'London Bridge is Falling Down'?

Royal executions

Pirate invasions

Human sacrifice

Witch trials

4.

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

30 sec • 1 pt

Who is the nursery rhyme 'Mary, Mary, Quite Contrary' believed to be about?

Queen Victoria

Mary I of England

Mary, Queen of Scots

Queen Elizabeth I

5.

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

30 sec • 1 pt

What was the fate of the three bishops in 'Three Blind Mice'?

They were pardoned

They were exiled

They were imprisoned

They were burned at the stake

6.

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

30 sec • 1 pt

What does 'Old Mother Hubbard' symbolize in its historical context?

A Catholic priest

A poor farmer

Cardinal Thomas Wolsey

A royal advisor

7.

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

30 sec • 1 pt

What does the nursery rhyme 'Goosey, Goosey, Gander' refer to?

A children's game

A royal banquet

Catholic persecution

A medieval fair

Create a free account and access millions of resources

Create resources
Host any resource
Get auto-graded reports
or continue with
Microsoft
Apple
Others
By signing up, you agree to our Terms of Service & Privacy Policy
Already have an account?