Question

The last two lines of the poem are not prohibitions or instructions. What is the adult now asking the child to do? Do you think the poet is suggesting that this is unreasonable? Why?

Answer 1

Hint: The poem 'Chivvy' is a list of different dos and don'ts that adults impose on small children. The grownups continuously offer the children a list of instructions about how to sit, talk, eat, and so on. The same elders then chastise the grown-up youngster for his inability to think for himself.

Complete answer:
An extensive set of instructions begins the poem. These instructions are almost certainly being given by adults to their children. Just to name a few, speak up, don't talk while your mouth is full of food, and so on. The poem continues with another set of instructions in the second verse. Every action of the young child is supervised and handled by adults.

The poem's last couplet suggests that the small youngster has matured. However, the adults in his life continue to chastise him. But for a different cause this time. The child is incapable of making decisions for himself. He is unsure about everything. It's ironic, because this child spent his entire childhood blindly obeying directions.

The parent now expects the child to think for himself. Because the young youngster has not been taught to utilise his thoughts, the poet thinks this completely absurd. He's only been taught to obey the elders' commands.

Note: The poem 'Chivvy' was written by the poet 'Michael Rosen.' The current poem explores the poet's feelings, as well as the feelings of other tiny children who are frustrated by their elders who constantly tell them what to do and what not to do. Adults always say things like "speak up," "don't stare," "don't point," "don't pick your nose," "sit up," "say please," "less noise," and so on.