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    2.2. Wit and Humour- A Funny Man - Class 7 - Poorvi

    Updated: Jun 23

    Chapter Title :A Funny Man


    Author: Natalie Joan

    Textbook: Poorvi 

    Genre: Poem / Humorous Verse


    Summary


    The poem “A Funny Man” by Natalie Joan describes a humorous and whimsical encounter between the speaker and a strange man on the street. This man is dressed unusually—wearing a shoe on his head and hats on his feet. He politely offers what he calls a rose, which turns out to be a currant bun, confusing the speaker. The man also sings a funny song, further adding to the speaker’s amusement. When the speaker asks about his unusual attire, the man responds by turning away and hopping home on his head. The poem is filled with imaginative visuals and nonsensical behavior that create a light-hearted, comical mood. The poet uses rhyme, rhythm, and exaggerated actions to entertain and bring out the theme of humour through absurdity. The poem playfully questions what is considered “normal” and invites readers to enjoy creativity and silliness in everyday life.


    👤 Character Sketch:

    The Funny Man


    The Funny Man is an eccentric and imaginative character who delights in doing things differently. He wears clothes the wrong way around and behaves in a completely unexpected manner. Despite his strange actions, he is polite, cheerful, and creative. His behavior is humorous but never rude. He represents playfulness, non-conformity, and the joy of looking at the world in a fun and different way.


    📚 Themes

    Theme

    Description

    Humour and Absurdity

    The poem is built on silly, unexpected actions that create laughter.

    Imagination and Creativity

    The funny man’s actions highlight the power of imagination in daily life.

    Non-conformity

    The poem celebrates being different and not following social norms.

    Childlike Wonder

    The speaker reacts with amusement and curiosity, reflecting childlike innocence.

    ✨ Literary Devices / Poetic Devices

    Device

    Example

    Rhyme Scheme

    AABB (e.g., street/feet, polite/sight)

    Imagery

    “He wore a shoe upon his head and hats upon his feet.”

    Alliteration

    “funny feeling sound,” “funny sounding sight”

    Inversion

    “But never had I seen before such a funny sounding sight.”

    Repetition

    The word “funny” is used repeatedly for emphasis

    Dialogue

    “My friend, why do you wear two hats upon your feet?”

    📖 Title Justification


    The title “A Funny Man” is appropriate as it directly refers to the central character of the poem, whose unusual behavior, clothing, and actions are humorous and entertaining. His quirky ways, polite manner, and playful imagination make him stand out as a truly “funny” man, capturing the essence of the poem. The title prepares the reader for a light-hearted, comic experience, which the poem delivers effectively.


    ✅ One-Mark Questions

    1. What did the funny man wear on his head?

      → He wore a shoe on his head.


    2. What did the funny man offer as a rose?

      → He offered a currant bun as a rose.


    3. How did the funny man go home?

      → He hopped home on his head.


    4. What kind of sound did the funny man’s song make?

      → It made a funny feeling sound.


    5. Why did the speaker stagger back?

      → Because the funny man held a currant bun to his nose.


    ✅ Three-Mark Questions

    1. How does the poet describe the appearance of the funny man?

      → The funny man is described wearing a shoe on his head and hats on his feet. His appearance is both polite and absurd, creating a humorous visual that surprises the speaker.


    2. What effect does the funny man’s behavior have on the poet?

      → The poet is amused, confused, and surprised. Though the man’s actions are bizarre, they are not threatening. The poet reacts with curiosity and laughter.


    3. How does the poem use rhyme and repetition to enhance its humour?

      → The poem follows a steady AABB rhyme scheme and repeats the word “funny” to emphasize the silliness of each situation. These techniques create rhythm and a playful tone that supports the humour.


    🧠 Value-Based Question

    Q: What message does the poem give us about how we view others who are different or unconventional?

    A: The poem teaches us that it’s okay to be different and that unconventional behavior can bring joy and creativity into life. Rather than judging or mocking, we should appreciate uniqueness and enjoy moments of fun. The funny man reminds us that laughter and imagination have value and that we should be open-minded about how others express themselves.


    End


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