# The Eternal Question explained — Poetry

> Chapter companion for Poetry by Ring Lardner.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_19_se/chapters/the-eternal-question
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_19_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_19_se/chapters