Whatif | Melody - VI | Summary | Questions and Answers

 

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English | Melody VII

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Unit 9
Summary | Questions | Answers |

Poem 9. Whatif (Shel Silverstein)

Last night, while I lay thinking here,

Some Whatifs crawled inside my ear

And pranced and partied all night long

And sang their same old Whatif song:

Whatif I’m dumb in school?

Whatif they’ve closed the swimming-pool?

Whatif, I get beat up?

Whatif there’s poison in my cup?

Whatif, I start to cry?

Whatif, I get sick and die?

Whatif, I flunk that test?

Whatif green hair grows on my chest?

Whatif nobody likes me?

Whatif a bolt of lightning strikes me?

Whatif, I don’t grow taller?

Whatif my head starts getting smaller?

Whatif the fish won’t bite?

Whatif the wind tears up my kite?

Whatif, they start a war?

Whatif my parents get divorced?

Whatif the bus is late?

Whatif my teeth don’t grow in straight?

Whatif, I tear my pants?

Whatif I never learn to dance?

Everything seems swell, and then

The night-time Whatif strikes again!

(Shel Silverstein)

 

Short Summary

In the poem "Whatif," Shel Silverstein explores the anxieties and worries that often trouble the mind, especially at night. The speaker recounts a series of "what if" scenarios that run through their head, ranging from mundane concerns like forgetting homework or losing a football game, to more significant fears like becoming sick or facing failure. Through this whimsical yet poignant verse, Silverstein captures the universal experience of grappling with doubt and fear, ultimately highlighting how these worries are a natural part of life but shouldn't overshadow the joy and potential of the present moment.

Working With the Poem

Question 1.

(i) Who is the speaker in the poem?

Answer: The speaker in the poem "Whatif" by Shel Silverstein is a child or young person who is expressing their anxieties and worries.

(Addition……)

The speaker recounts a variety of "what if" scenarios that trouble their mind, particularly at night, reflecting the universal fears and concerns that many children experience. Through this, Silverstein gives voice to the inner thoughts and insecurities that often go unspoken.

(ii) With your partner list, out the happenings the speaker is worried about.

Answer: Here is a list of the worries and "what if" scenarios the speaker in Shel Silverstein's poem "Whatif" is concerned about:

1. What if I'm dumb in school?

2. What if they've closed the swimming pool?

3. What if I get beat up?

4. What if there's poison in my cup?

5. What if I start to cry?

6. What if I get sick and die?

7. What if I flunk that test?

8. What if green hair grows on my chest?

9. What if nobody likes me?

10. What if a bolt of lightning strikes me?

11. What if I don't grow taller?

12. What if my head starts getting smaller?

13. What if the fish won't bite?

14. What if the wind tears up my kite?

15. What if they start a war?

16. What if my parents get divorced?

17. What if the bus is late?

18. What if my teeth don't grow in straight?

19. What if I tear my pants?

20. What if I never learn to dance?

These worries range from everyday concerns to more significant anxieties, capturing the wide range of fears that can occupy a child's mind.

 

(iii) Why do you think she/he has these worries? Can you think of ways to get rid of such worries?

Answer: The speaker likely has these worries because they reflect common childhood anxieties about school, social acceptance, personal safety, and family stability. To get rid of such worries, one can focus on positive thinking, discuss their concerns with trusted adults, practice mindfulness or relaxation techniques, stay engaged in hobbies and activities they enjoy, and develop problem-solving skills to handle challenges as they arise. Sharing fears and finding support from friends and family can also help alleviate these anxieties.

Question 2. Read the following line.

Some Whatifs crawled inside my ear

Can words crawl into your ear? This is an image. The poet is trying to make an image of what she/he experiences. Now with your partner try and list out some more images from the poem.

Answer: Here are some more images from the poem "Whatif" by Shel Silverstein:

1. Last night while I lay thinking here - This creates an image of the speaker lying in bed, lost in thought.

2. Whatif I flunk that test – This visualizes the anxiety of failing a school test.

3. Whatif green hair grows on my chest – This creates a humorous and exaggerated image of an unusual physical change.

4. Whatif nobody likes me – This evokes the image of the speaker feeling isolated and unloved.

5. Whatif a bolt of lightning strikes me – This visualizes the fear of a sudden and dangerous natural event.

6. Whatif I tear my pants – This evokes the image of an embarrassing wardrobe malfunction.

These images help to convey the various worries and fears that the speaker experiences, making them more vivid and relatable to the reader.