Question

When do you think an adult would say this?
“No one thinks you are funny.”

Answer 1

Hint: 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. The term 'chivvy' refers to persistently encouraging someone to accomplish something. They teach youngsters how to act in a civilised manner while also encouraging them to think for themselves.

Complete answer:
The poet, like other tiny children, is frustrated by their elders who constantly tell them what to do and what not to do in the present poem. Adults constantly tell children to "speak up," "don't stare," "don't point," "don't pick your nose," "sit up," "say please," "make less noise," and so on. The poet asks elders why they can't keep their advice to themselves.

When children are too afraid to speak or perform in front of others, adults are likely to tell them, "No one thinks you're funny." When a child has done something mischievous and finds it amusing, an adult would say so, causing everyone else to be annoyed. Adults say such things to their children in order to instil in them proper manners, etiquette, and public behaviour.

Note: The poem expresses the poet’s frustration over the following spheres:
- Adults have a habit of constantly educating children.
- They request that he do something or refrain from doing anything.
- They do it primarily to instil good manners in children.
- However, the majority of children dislike it.