Essay Questions

How does the author use the imagery in the poem “The Dong with a Luminous Noise?”

On several occasions, the speaker describes creatures, equipment, and other objects to paint pictures of the events happening in the poem. For instance, the speaker says that the girl called Jumblie is gorgeous with an attractive figure painting an image of a stunning woman. In addition, the speaker says that Jumblies have blue legs and green heads. When Jumblies arrive at the shore for the first time, they use marine transport equipment resembling sieves. All these descriptions by the speaker are intended to create imaginary images in the readers’ minds to enable them closely follow the unfolding events.

What does the blue baboon symbolize in the poem?

The blue baboon is a symbol of companionship. When the Dong returns from his adventures, he feels lonely. However, the sudden appearance of the blue baboon gives the Dong a sense of companionship. The blue baboon confesses that he has always wanted to befriend the Dong but failed several times. When the Dong accepts the blue baboon's request, he never feels lonely again for the rest of his life.

What is the central theme in “The Dong with a Luminous Noise” by Edward Lear?

The main theme in the poem is love. The novel explores the love adventure between the Dong and his girlfriend from overseas. When the Dong meets Jumblie for the first time, he falls in love with her. The Dong describes Jumblie’s beauty to show readers why he could not let her go. The Dong spends the entire day with Jumblie and experiences love and affection for the first time. Jumblie teaches the Dong how to dance as he sings romantic songs to grace the moment. When the day ends, Jumblie joins her friends and returns overseas. The Dong feels sad and stands at the show until the marine vessel transporting Jumblie disappears. However, the Dong's life changes for the better because he learns to appreciate those around him, like the blue baboon.