Poetry · Chapter
The New Plaything explained
The narrator anticipates the reaction of a young boy upon meeting his new baby brother, wondering whether he will be delighted, indifferent, or upset by the new arrival.
What happens
The narrator anticipates the reaction of a young boy upon meeting his new baby brother, wondering whether he will be delighted, indifferent, or upset by the new arrival.
Themes in this chapter
Childhood and Family
The poem centers on the introduction of a new sibling and the family dynamics surrounding the event.
Innocence and Growth
The boy's potential reactions—fear, scorn, or acceptance—highlight the innocence and developmental stage of childhood.
Characters to notice
- Unknown Narrator
The speaker, likely a parent, addresses the boy and reflects on his possible reactions to the new baby.
- Daddy
Referred to as 'Daddy' who has brought home the new baby brother.
- Brother Jim
The new baby brother, referred to as 'brand new brother' and the subject of the poem.
Key passages
“I wonder what your thought will be And what you’ll say and do, sir, When you come home again and see What Daddy’s got for you, sir.”
The narrator wonders how the boy will react when he sees the new baby his father has brought home.
Sets up the central question of the poem about the child's response to the new sibling.
“I wonder if you’ll like it, boy, Or turn away disgusted (You’ve often scorned a nice, new toy For one that’s old and busted.)”
The narrator speculates whether the boy will embrace the baby or reject it, noting his past preference for worn-out toys over new ones.
Compares the baby to a toy, emphasizing the child's unpredictable tastes.
“I wonder if you’ll laugh, or cry And run in fright to mother, Or just act bored to death, when I Show you your brand new brother.”
The narrator imagines various possible reactions: laughter, tears, fear, or boredom upon meeting the new baby.
Closes the poem by listing the range of emotional responses the boy might have.