Poetry · Chapter
The Eternal Question explained
A humorous poem about the exasperating nature of a child's persistent 'What for?' questions, suggesting that constant inquiry might drive a parent to madness or premature aging.
What happens
A humorous poem about the exasperating nature of a child's persistent 'What for?' questions, suggesting that constant inquiry might drive a parent to madness or premature aging.
Themes in this chapter
Humor and Satire
The poem uses exaggerated, humorous consequences (gray hair, softening of the brain) to satirize the endless curiosity of children.
Innocence and Growth
The child's persistent questioning reflects a natural stage of learning and curiosity, while the parent's response hints at the challenges of guiding that growth.
Characters to notice
- Unknown Narrator
The exasperated parent or adult figure being worn down by endless questions.
- Young Stranger
The inquisitive child who repeatedly asks 'What for?'
Key passages
“If I grow old before my day, If, in a night, my hair turns gray, ’Twill be from answering when you say “What for?””
If I age prematurely or my hair goes gray overnight, it will be because of constantly responding to your question 'What for?'
The narrator humorously blames the child's incessant questioning for potential physical signs of aging.
“If I have softening of the brain, If I’m adjudged unsound, insane, ’Twill be from trying to explain “What for?””
If I become mentally feeble or am declared insane, it will be due to my efforts to explain the reasons behind things when you ask 'What for?'
The exaggeration continues, suggesting that the mental strain of answering a child's questions could lead to insanity.
“So, youngster, if ’tis your desire To have a loony, senile sire, Simply continue to inquire: “What for?””
So, child, if you want to drive your father crazy and make him senile, just keep asking 'What for?'
The poem concludes with a wry warning that the child's persistent questioning will have dire effects on the parent's sanity.