Chapter-9 Poem – What if

1. Who is the speaker in the poem?

Explanation:

The speaker in the poem is Shel Silverstein.


2. List the concerns that the speaker expresses in the poem.

Explanation:

The speaker expresses the following concerns:

  • Failing in an exam

  • Getting sick and dying

  • No one liking her

  • Becoming dumb

  • Not growing taller

  • Her parents getting separated

  • Getting beaten up


3. Why do you think the speaker has these worries? How can one overcome such worries?

Explanation:

The speaker has these worries because she overthinks and creates baseless fears. One can overcome such worries by developing a positive attitude and a strong willpower. Talking to friends and family members about the concerns can also help alleviate worries. Learning to focus on the present and taking things one step at a time can also be helpful.


4. What is the reason for the child's worries in the poem "Whatif"?

Explanation:

The child is worried about his future because of the possibility of unexpected events happening in his life, leading to uncertainty and insecurity.


5. When did the child's worries start?

Explanation:

The child's worries started when she was lying on her bed the previous night.


6.   What is the meaning of the 'Whatif song' in the poem?

Explanation:

The 'Whatif song' refers to the child's thoughts and worries about the possible negative outcomes of various situations in her life. The song repeats the phrase "Whatif" to highlight the child's fears and anxieties.


7. Do you think the child’s fear was unnecessary? Explain your answer.

Explanation:

Yes, the child’s fear was unnecessary because it was based on assumptions and unlikely events. Focusing on things beyond our control only creates unnecessary stress and anxiety.


8. What happened the next morning after the child's worries the previous night?

Explanation:

The child woke up the next morning and everything was fine. She had been needlessly worrying about things that didn't come to pass.


9. What does the poem "Whatif" discuss? Can you give some examples of the child’s fears or concerns?

Explanation:

The poem "Whatif" discusses a child's worries and fears about various unlikely and unrealistic situations. Some of her fears include failing exams, getting sick and dying, losing her ability to speak, and her parents getting separated.


10. Who is the speaker in the poem "Whatif"? What is she worried about? Suggest ways to overcome irrational fears.

Explanation:

The speaker in the poem "Whatif" is a young girl who is worried about a multitude of unrealistic scenarios. To overcome irrational fears, one can try focusing on the present moment and staying positive. Additionally, seeking support from friends and family can be helpful.


11. What are some of the fears and doubts that the child has in the poem?

Explanation:

The child in the poem has a wide range of fears and doubts that arise in her mind. These include fears related to her personal safety, such as getting sick, getting hit by lightning, or getting beaten up. She also worries about her future, such as failing her tests or not growing taller. Additionally, she has fears related to her relationships, such as nobody liking her friend Jier or her parents getting separated.


12.  What is the difference between being an optimist and a pessimist?

Explanation:

An optimist is a person who always tries to see the positive side of things and has hope for the future. They tend to focus on solutions to problems rather than dwelling on the negatives. On the other hand, a pessimist tends to see the negative side of things and is more likely to give up or feel hopeless when faced with problems. They often expect the worst to happen and may not have as much motivation to find solutions. Overall, being an optimist can lead to a more positive and fulfilling life, while being a pessimist can lead to a more negative and unsatisfying life.


13. Read the extract given below and answer the following questions.


“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?”


(A)What were the Whatifs that crawled inside the child's ear?
(B)What are some examples of the child's fears related to school?
(C)What is the significance of the Whatif song in the poem?

Explanation:

(A) The Whatifs that crawled inside the child's ear were fears and doubts about various situations in life, such as being dumb in school, the swimming pool being closed, getting beat up, having poison in her cup, starting to cry, getting sick and dying, flunking a test, having green hair grow on her chest, and nobody liking her.

(B)Some examples of the child's fears related to school are being dumb in school and flunking a test.
(C)The Whatif song in the poem signifies the child's worries and anxieties about life. The child's mind is filled with various scenarios and possibilities, which are reflected in the Whatif song. The repetition of the song emphasizes the persistence of these worries and their ability to haunt the child throughout the night.

14. What if 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!


(A)Who does the child fear might get divorced in the poem?
(B)What causes the child to become worried for the second time?
(C)What are these doubts and worries called?

Explanation:

(A)The child fears that her parents might get divorced in the poem.

(B)The child becomes worried for the second time due to the recurring thoughts of these terrifying possibilities that might happen to her.
(C)These doubts and worries are called fears and anxieties.