English Notes Chapter 3.1 – “Why?’’ Class 8 Maharashtra Board

1. Introduction

The poem “Why?” is about a curious little boy who constantly asks questions about the world around him. His curiosity reflects a child’s natural instinct to explore and understand life’s mysteries. The poet highlights how children are full of questions about science, nature, and everyday life.

2. Summary of the Poem

The poem describes a young boy who is always asking “why?” about various things. He wonders about scientific and natural phenomena such as:

• Why wood floats and marbles sink
• Why stars shine and winds blow
• Why flowers die and the sun sets
• Why clouds move across the sky
• Why the ocean ebbs and flows
• Why fish have gills and boys cannot fly
• Why coal burns but stones do not
• How seeds are inside an apple core and how bones contain marrow

The poem portrays the endless curiosity of children and their eagerness to learn about the world.

3. Important Themes in the Poem

(i) Curiosity and Learning

• The boy in the poem is eager to know more about the world.
• His questions cover topics related to science, nature, and daily life.

(ii) Science and Nature

• The poem touches on simple scientific facts such as floating, sinking, burning, and tides.
• It also includes elements of nature like stars, clouds, wind, and rain.

(iii) Innocence of Childhood

• The boy’s never-ending questions show the pure and innocent mind of a child.
• He does not hesitate to ask about things he does not understand.

4. Literary Devices Used in the Poem

(i) Repetition

• The word “Why” is repeated throughout the poem to emphasize the boy’s curiosity.
• Example: “Why this, Why that, Why then, Why now, Why not, Why by-and-by?”

(ii) Rhyme Scheme

• The poem follows a rhyming pattern where the second and fourth lines rhyme.
• Example: “Why lead and marbles sink? / And why we eat and drink.” (sink and drink rhyme.)

(iii) Imagery

• The poet uses descriptive words to create mental pictures.
• Example: The boy imagines stars shining, winds blowing, flowers dying, and the ocean flowing.

5. Important Word Meanings

6. Rhyming Words in the Poem