Get summaries, questions, answers, solutions, notes, extras, PDF of Class 11 English Core textbook (Resonance), chapter 4 Childhood by Marcus Natten, which is part of the syllabus of students studying under MBOSE (Meghalaya Board). These solutions, however, should only be treated as references and can be modified/changed.
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Summary
The poem “Childhood” by Marcus Natten explores the poet’s reflections on the transition from childhood to adulthood. The poet wonders when his childhood ended, questioning if it was when he stopped being eleven or when he realised that heaven and hell could not be found in geography, implying a loss of innocence and belief in simple truths.
He also questions if it was when he discovered that adults, who talk of love and preach about it, often do not act lovingly, revealing his disillusionment with adult behaviour. Another significant moment he considers is when he recognised his independence of thought, realising his mind was his own.
The poet feels that his childhood has vanished to a forgotten place, hidden in the innocent faces of children. He uses rhetorical questions throughout the poem, reflecting his introspective journey and emphasising the emotional weight of these realisations.
The poem discusses themes of innocence, the loss of childhood, and the complexity of adulthood. It suggests that growing up involves disillusionment and a deeper understanding of the world, contrasting the simplicity of childhood with the complexities of adult life. The poet’s tone is contemplative and slightly melancholic, highlighting a longing for the simplicity and purity of childhood.
Line-by-line explanation of the poem
When did my childhood go?
The poet is reflecting on the moment when he lost his childhood.
Was it the day I ceased to be eleven,
He wonders if it was the day he turned twelve.
Was it the time I realised that Hell and Heaven,
He questions if it was when he understood that the concepts of Hell and Heaven,
Could not be found in Geography,
cannot be found in a geography book,
And therefore could not be,
and thus, may not exist in a physical sense.
Was that the day!
He questions whether this realisation marked the end of his childhood.
When did my childhood go?
The poet repeats his query, still unsure about when his childhood ended.
Was it the time I realised that adults were not / all they seemed to be,
He contemplates if it was when he discovered that adults are not always as perfect as they appear.
They talked of love and preached of love, / But did not act so lovingly,
He observes that adults speak about love and give advice on love, but often do not behave lovingly themselves.
Was that the day!
Again, he wonders if this disillusionment was the moment his childhood ended.
When did my childhood go?
The poet repeats his question, indicating his continued search for the moment of loss.
Was it when I found my mind was really mine, / To use whichever way I choose,
He considers if it was when he realized he had his own independent thoughts and the freedom to think for himself.
Producing thoughts that were not those of other people, / But my own, and mine alone,
He reflects on when he began generating his own unique ideas, different from those around him.
Was that the day!
He questions if this newfound independence of thought signified the end of his childhood.
Where did my childhood go?
The poet asks where his childhood went, indicating it has vanished to an unknown place.
It went to some forgotten place, / That’s hidden in an infant’s face, / That’s all I know.
He concludes that his childhood has gone to a place he can no longer remember, a place now only visible in the innocence of a child’s face.
Textual questions and answers
Fill in the blanks with ideas drawn from the poem
1. The poet seems to have realised ________ when he could not find them on a map.
Answer: that Hell and Heaven could not be found
2. The poet seems to be ________ with adult behaviour.
Answer: disappointed
3. When a person grows up, he ________ that an adult says.
Answer: stops believing everything
4. The poet feels that his lost childhood has ________.
Answer: gone to some forgotten place
State whether true or false
1. A man stays innocent all his life.
Answer: False
2. Every adult starts questioning religious beliefs and myths.
Answer: False
3. A questioning mind is the mark of adulthood.
Answer: True
Answer these questions briefly
1. Is there a specific age at which one leaves childhood behind?
Answer: No, there is not a specific age at which one leaves childhood behind.
2. Are Heaven and Hell places that we can mark on a map?
Answer: No, Heaven and Hell are not places that we can mark on a map.
3. Do you think children believe that adults are faultless?
Answer: Yes, children believe that adults are faultless.
4. Do you think that the poet was disappointed with adult behaviour? Which line in the poem tells you so?
Answer: Yes, the poet was disappointed with adult behaviour. The line “They talked of love and preached of love, But did not act so lovingly,” tells you so.
Appreciating the poem
1. Why can Hell and Heaven not be found in Geography books?
Answer: Because they are not physical places that can be located on a map.
2. Our thoughts are often shaped by the beliefs of others we grow up with. Do you agree?
Answer: Yes, our thoughts are often influenced by the beliefs and opinions of those around us as we grow up.
3. What does childhood mean to you? Can you think of two occasions when an adult did or said something that surprised or confused you?
Answer: Childhood is a time of innocence and discovery. One occasion was when an adult said that Santa Claus was not real, which surprised me because I believed in Santa Claus. Another occasion was when an adult talked about the complexities of relationships, which confused me as I did not understand those complexities.
4. Do you think that the transition from childhood to adulthood is a clear milestone? Does it vary from person to person?
Answer: No, the transition from childhood to adulthood is not a clear milestone; it varies from person to person depending on their experiences and circumstances.
Appreciating form and language
1. In literature, tone is the writer’s attitude to the subject matter or to his readers. It may be serious or playful, formal or personal, angry or serene. The tone employed in this poem emphasises a deep feeling or a strong emotion. Choose any one stanza in this poem and explain its meaning in prose form. Remember to convey the same tone and feelings of the poet, without using the poetic devices.
Answer: The stanza “When did my childhood go? Was it the day I ceased to be eleven, Was it the time I realised that Hell and Heaven, Could not be found in Geography, And therefore could not be, Was that the day!” conveys the poet’s deep sense of wonder and introspection. The poet is questioning the moment he left his childhood behind, contemplating if it was when he understood that abstract concepts like Hell and Heaven are not physical locations on a map, challenging his earlier beliefs and marking a significant point in his growth.
2. Interrogation is the special poetic device used by the poet in this poem in which a statement is put in the form of a question to which no answer is expected. Example: When did my childhood go? Where did my childhood go? Why does the poet use this technique? What effect is he trying to create?
Answer: The poet uses the technique of interrogation to evoke a sense of reflection and introspection. By phrasing his thoughts as questions, he invites the reader to ponder along with him, creating a contemplative and poignant atmosphere. This method effectively emphasizes the uncertainty and the elusive nature of the transition from childhood to adulthood, highlighting the complexity of this personal evolution.
Writing
Recall an experience which made you feel that you are no longer a child and you had to act like a grown-up. How did you feel? Do you look forward to being an adult and taking on more responsibilities? Or, do you wish you could hold on to your childhood? Write a diary entry describing the incident and your feelings.
Answer:
June 6
Dear Diary,
Today, something happened that made me feel like I had to leave my childhood behind and step into the world of adults. It was a strange and bittersweet experience.
This morning, my mother fell ill unexpectedly. She was too weak to get out of bed, and my father had already left for work. As the eldest child, I felt a sudden responsibility to take care of the household. I made breakfast for my younger siblings, helped them get ready for school, and even managed to call the doctor to arrange a visit for my mother.
It was a busy and overwhelming morning. I felt a mix of fear and pride – fear because I was unsure if I could handle everything, and pride because I managed to step up and take charge in a difficult situation. My siblings looked up to me, and my mother was grateful for my help. It was a moment that made me realize I am no longer a child who can rely on others for everything.
As the day went on, I started to think about what it means to grow up. On one hand, I look forward to being an adult and taking on more responsibilities. There is a sense of accomplishment in being able to care for my family and make important decisions. On the other hand, I sometimes wish I could hold on to my childhood a little longer. The carefree days of playing with friends, exploring the hills of Meghalaya, and not having to worry about adult responsibilities are something I will always cherish.
Growing up is inevitable, but today taught me that it’s okay to feel a mix of emotions about it. I am proud of myself for stepping up when it was needed, and I know that this experience has made me stronger and more prepared for the future.
Until next time,
Sophia
Extra fill in the blanks
1. The poet seems to have realised ________ when he could not find them on a map. (Hell and Heaven/childhood)
Answer: Hell and Heaven
10. The poet’s thoughts are now his own and not influenced by ________. (others/maps)
Answer: others
Extra true or false
1. The poet wonders when his childhood ended.
Answer: True
10. The poet did not question when his childhood ended.
Answer: False
Extra question and answer
1. “When did my childhood go? Was it the day I ceased to be eleven, Was it the time I realised that Hell and Heaven, Could not be found in Geography, And therefore could not be, Was that the day!”
(i) What question does the poet repeatedly ask in this stanza?
Answer: The poet repeatedly asks when his childhood ended.
(ii) At what age does the poet question the end of his childhood?
Answer: The poet questions if his childhood ended when he ceased to be eleven.
(iii) What realization about Hell and Heaven does the poet mention?
Answer: The poet realized that Hell and Heaven could not be found in Geography and therefore could not be real places.
10 Why does the poet use the technique of interrogation in the poem, and what effect does it create?
Answer: The poet uses the technique of interrogation by posing rhetorical questions such as “When did my childhood go?” and “Was that the day?” This technique creates a contemplative and introspective tone, inviting readers to ponder the same questions about their own childhood. It emphasises the poet’s uncertainty and search for answers about the loss of innocence and the transition to adulthood. The repeated questioning underscores the complexity of pinpointing the exact moment of this transition, highlighting the gradual and often unnoticed shift from childhood to maturity.
Ron’e Dutta is a journalist, teacher, aspiring novelist, and blogger. He manages Online Free Notes and reads Victorian literature. His favourite book is Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte and he hopes to travel the world. Get in touch with him by sending him a friend request.
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