CHILDHOOD
MARKUS NATTEN
[Link] poet has discussed two stages of life – childhood and adulthood. How do we
differentiate one from another?
Ans: Childhood has been considered by the poet as a blissful period in one’s life, where a
child trusts everyone.
Adulthood is marked by rational and creative thoughts, ability to perceive and differentiate
and learn new things. In this stage of life one also learns to be double faced and crafty.
2. .What did the poet realise when he crossed the age of eleven years?
Ans: When the poet crossed the age of eleven years, he realised that he had lost his childhood
and had developed a mind of his own. He also found out the non-existence of Hell and
Heaven.
4. How did the poet conclude that Hell and Heaven were imaginary places?
Ans:The poet concluded that Hell and Heaven were imaginary places and there is no mention
of places like Hell or Heaven in reality.
5. How did adults seem to the poet when he was a child?
Ans: As a child, the poet considered all the adults as an epitome of love and sincerity. He
believed that their love was true and they were ready to do anything for their loved ones.
6. Bring out the hypocrisy that the adults exhibit with regard to love.
Ans: As the poet grew up, he could make out the double standards followed by adults. He
realised that though adults preached of love and talked of love, their behaviour was totally
different and full of manipulation. They were all hypocrites who behaved differently from the
way they talked.
7. What did the poet notice about independent thinking? How important was this discovery?
Ans: The poet discovered that he was different from others and could think independently.
He could have his own opinions without getting influenced by anyone else. This discovery
was very important to him as it revealed to him his abilities for independent thinking and
decision making.
[Link] is the poet trying to convey when he says that childhood is hidden in an infant’s face?
Ans: The poet says an infant is really innocent as he trusts everyone and does not try to fool
others. The poet brings out this fact by contrasting it with the behaviour of adults, who
become manipulative and are hypocrites. As a person develops rational thoughts, his childlike
innocence fades away.
9. According to Markus Natten, when does the child become an adult?
Ans: Becoming an adult is a complex process which is associated with physical, mental and
social development. A child becomes an adult when he is able to live his own life and take
care of his responsibilities individually. He also develops his own thought process, using
which he can form his own beliefs and opinions.
10. What is the poet’s feeling towards his childhood?
Ans: The poet regards childhood as a period of innocence. A child sincerely feels that he is
free from all evils and that there is really a Hell and a Heaven. A child knows no hypocrisy.
There is no difference between his thoughts and actions. In short, childhood is a state of
innocence and purity of heart.
11. How does the poem expose man and present him in true colours?
Ans: According to the poet, childhood symbolises innocence, purity, softness and love. As a
child grows up, these qualities start receding. Man adheres to lying, shrewdness, cunningness
and hypocrisy.
Adults preach about truth and honesty but themselves practise hatred and lying. The
simplicity and honesty of childhood evaporates the moment man crosses the threshold of
innocent childhood.
