4.2 Childhood - Class 11 - Hornbill

BhashaLab
Jul 5
4 min read

Updated: Jul 6

Author: Markus Natten

Textbook: Hornbill

Genre: Poem / Reflective Lyric

Summary

The poem Childhood is a reflective and introspective piece by Markus Natten, in which the poet looks back and wonders when exactly his childhood disappeared. He recalls moments of realisation that mark the transition from childhood innocence to adult awareness. The poet questions whether it vanished when he turned twelve, or when he discovered that heaven and hell were not real places found in geography. He further contemplates whether it was when he realised that adults, who talked about love, often behaved in unloving ways — thus, losing his respect for them. Another turning point comes when he discovers the power of independent thought — that he can form his own opinions, not merely accept those of others. Finally, the poet concludes that childhood does not go to a specific place; rather, it hides in the innocent face of a child. The poem expresses the loss of innocence and the emergence of rational thinking, thus marking the passage from childhood to adolescence.

Character Sketch

Not applicable (as this is a reflective poem without characters)

Themes

Theme	Description
Loss of Innocence	The poem reflects on the emotional and intellectual shifts that lead to the loss of childhood innocence.
Awakening of Rationality	The poet realises the myths of religion and questions adult behaviour, showing growing maturity.
Hypocrisy of Adults	The poet feels betrayed by adults who preach love but do not practice it.
Self-Discovery	The ability to think independently marks a crucial milestone in growing up.
Nostalgia and Longing	The poet longs for the simplicity and purity of childhood.

✨ Poetic Devices

Device	Example	Effect
Repetition	“When did my childhood go?”	Emphasises the poet’s confusion and longing.
Enjambment	Continuation of lines without pause (seen throughout)	Creates a conversational and thoughtful tone.
Alliteration	“Could not be found in Geography”	Adds rhythm and emphasis.
Metaphor	“It went to some forgotten place”	Symbolises the vanishing of childhood.
Rhetorical Question	“Was that the day?”	Invites reflection and introspection.

Title Justification

The title “Childhood” is apt and reflective of the poem’s central theme — the gradual and unnoticed transition from innocence to awareness. The poet does not focus on specific events but rather on a series of realisations that mark the end of childhood. Each stanza explores a moment where innocence is lost and maturity begins. By questioning when and where his childhood disappeared, the poet invites the reader to ponder their own turning points. Thus, the title captures the essence of emotional loss and personal growth.

One-Mark Questions

What question does the poet repeatedly ask in the poem?
The poet asks when and where his childhood went. This reflects his nostalgia and confusion about growing up.
What realisation does the poet have about Heaven and Hell?
He realises that Heaven and Hell are not found in geography books. This shows the beginning of logical thinking.
What does the poet notice about adults’ behaviour?
He notices that adults preach love but do not act lovingly. This makes him question their honesty.
What does the poet discover about his thoughts?
He realises that his thoughts are his own and not influenced by others. This marks a significant step in maturity.
Where does the poet believe childhood still exists?
He says childhood lies hidden in an infant’s face. It remains only in innocence, no longer in him.

Three-Mark Questions

How does the poet describe the loss of childhood?
The poet describes the loss of childhood through various stages of realisation. He questions whether it ended when he turned twelve or when he stopped believing in Heaven and Hell. He also feels disillusioned when he sees the hypocrisy of adults. Another moment of loss comes when he discovers the ability to think for himself. All these moments collectively signal the end of innocence and the beginning of self-awareness.
Explain the significance of the poet’s discovery that his mind was his own.
This realisation marks a turning point in the poet’s growth. He understands that he can form his own thoughts and make independent decisions. It shows maturity and individuality. Unlike childhood, where one depends on others’ beliefs, adulthood comes with self-reliance. This understanding is both empowering and a sign of growing up.
What tone does the poet maintain throughout the poem, and how does it affect the reader?
The tone of the poem is reflective and slightly melancholic. The poet is not angry or bitter, but rather thoughtful and nostalgic. This tone invites the reader to reflect on their own loss of childhood. The gentle questioning helps build an emotional connection. It reminds us all of a time that quietly faded away.

Value-Based Question

What can we learn from the poet’s reflections on growing up?

The poem teaches us that growing up involves both joy and loss. While we gain independence and the ability to think for ourselves, we lose the innocence and trust of childhood. It reminds us to value honesty, love, and sincerity — traits often lost with age. The poem encourages self-reflection and emotional honesty. It also helps us understand that change is a natural part of life, but we can always cherish the purity of childhood within us.

End

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