About the Lesson
You Are Old, Father William is a delightful poem written by Lewis Carroll, renowned for his whimsical style and mastery of literary nonsense. This humorous poem is presented in a question-and-answer format, capturing the witty banter between an inquisitive son and his unconventional father. Known for his imagination and wordplay, Carroll creates a charming and absurd scenario that highlights the playful dynamics of their relationship.
Text /Summary/Critical Analysis
You are Old, Father William - Lewis Carroll
About the Author: Lewis Carroll
Charles Lutwidge Dodgson, famously known by his pen name Lewis Carroll, was a multifaceted genius born on January 27, 1832, in Daresbury, England. A true polymath, Carroll excelled as an author, poet, illustrator, mathematician, photographer, teacher, and inventor. He is best known for his contributions to children's literature, especially his timeless classics Alice's Adventures in Wonderland (1865) and its sequel Through the Looking-Glass (1871). These works showcase his extraordinary talent for blending fantasy, logic, and whimsical storytelling, captivating readers of all ages.
Carroll's love for wordplay and his mastery of logic is evident in his poetry, particularly in works such as Jabberwocky (1871) and The Hunting of the Snark (1876), which belong to the genre of literary nonsense. These poems highlight his creativity in crafting imaginary worlds, filled with playful language and inventive characters.
Apart from his literary achievements, Carroll was a gifted mathematician who taught at Christ Church, Oxford, and made contributions to the fields of geometry and algebra. His interests extended to early photography, where he gained recognition for his portraits. Known for his quirky humor and intellectual brilliance, Lewis Carroll remains a celebrated figure in both literature and the arts. He passed away on January 14, 1898, leaving behind a legacy of imaginative works that continue to inspire and enchant readers worldwide.
Read and Enjoy
You Are Old, Father William is a humorous poem written in a lively question-and-answer format. It features a playful exchange between two characters: a father and his son. The curious son asks his father a series of amusing questions about his peculiar and energetic behavior in old age. In response, the father provides witty and humorous explanations for his actions. This lighthearted poem is sure to entertain with its clever dialogue and whimsical charm. Let’s dive in and enjoy this delightful piece!
"You are old, Father William," the
young man said,
"And your hair has become very white;
And yet you incessantly stand on your
head -
Do you think, at your age, it is right?"
"In my youth," Father William replied
to his son,
"I feared it would injure the brain;
But now that I'm perfectly sure I have
none,
Why, I do it again and again."
"You are old," said the youth, "as I
mentioned before,
And have grown most uncommonly fat;
Yet you turned a back-somersault in at
the door -
Pray, what is the reason of that?"
"In my youth," said the sage, as he shook his
grey locks,
"I kept all my limbs very supple
By the use of this ointment - one shilling the
box - Allow me to sell you a couple."
"You are old," said the youth, "and your jaws
are too weak
For anything tougher than suet;
Yet you finished the goose, with the bones and
the beak -
Pray, how did you manage to do it?"
"In my youth," said his father, "I took to the law,
And argued each case with my wife;
And the muscular strength, which it gave to my jaw,
Has lasted the rest of my life."
"You are old," said the youth; one would hardly suppose
That your eye was as steady as ever;
Yet you balanced an eel on the end of your nose -
What made you so awfully clever?"
"I have answered three questions, and that is enough,
Said his father; "don't give yourself airs!
Do you think I can listen all day to such stuff?
Be off, or I'll kick you down stairs!"
- Lewis Carroll
Word Meanings
incessantly: without interruption, constantly; locks: hair; supple: flexible; suet: animal fat used in cooking; don't give yourself airs: don't think too high of yourself, don't be so proud
Critical Analysis of You Are Old, Father William
Lewis Carroll's You Are Old, Father William is a masterful example of literary nonsense that combines humor, wit, and absurdity to create an engaging dialogue between a young man and his eccentric father. Written in a question-and-answer format, the poem satirizes conventional notions of aging and wisdom, offering a humorous take on the dynamics between youth and experience.
At its core, the poem explores the theme of age and vitality. The young man expects his father to conform to the stereotypes of old age—frailty, wisdom, and restraint—but Father William defies these expectations with his youthful antics and absurd reasoning. This juxtaposition challenges societal norms and underscores the idea that age does not necessarily dictate behavior.
Carroll’s use of humor is central to the poem's charm. The father's exaggerated explanations for his behavior—such as standing on his head because he is certain he has no brain, or developing jaw strength through arguments with his wife—are both comical and nonsensical. These responses highlight Carroll's talent for crafting absurd scenarios that entertain while poking fun at logical reasoning.
The poem also plays with the relationship between the father and son, reflecting a generational gap. The son’s persistent questioning reflects a sense of incredulity and the desire to understand his father's odd behavior, while Father William's dismissive attitude adds an element of rebellion against societal expectations. The abrupt and humorous conclusion, where Father William refuses to entertain more questions, underscores the playful irreverence that runs throughout the poem.
Structurally, the poem follows a rhythmic and rhyming pattern, making it easy to read and memorize. This musicality enhances its appeal, particularly for younger audiences. At the same time, its clever wordplay and underlying satire resonate with adults, making it a timeless piece.
In summary, You Are Old, Father William is a delightful blend of humor, absurdity, and social commentary. Through its witty dialogue and whimsical scenarios, the poem invites readers to question stereotypes, embrace eccentricity, and appreciate the joy of nonsensical humor.
Delve into Details
Read and Understand
A Tick the correct answers.
1. Father William's hair has become
a. very white.
b. gray.
c. brown.
d. red.
2. How did Father William keep his limbs flexible in his youth?
a. By doing yoga
b. By doing exercise
c. By rubbing an ointment on them
d. By physiotherapy
3. Which best describes the theme of the poem?
a. Young people should learn from old people.
b. Young people should respect their elders.
c. Old people should act their age.
d. Old people should teach young people.
B Read these lines and answer the questions that follow
1. "In my youth," Father William replied to his son,
"I feared it would injure the brain;
But now that I'm perfectly sure I have none,
Why, I do it again and again."
a. What did the father fear in his youth?
b. Was his fear justified? Why?
c. What does 'it' refer to?
2. "I have answered three questions, and that is enough,"
Said his father; "don't give yourself airs!"
a. How many questions did the son ask?
b. What is the meaning of 'airs' here?
C Answer these questions.
1. What is the young man trying to say when he points to his father that his hair is white?
2. How does the father react to his son's criticism of standing on his head?
3. What are the amazing things that the old man can do in spite of his age?
4. What helped the father in strengthening his muscles?
5. Why does the father stop answering the questions?
6. Write the character sketch of Father William.
THINK AND ANSWER. Critical Thinking
The poem 'You are Old, Father William' humorously underlines the problems generation gap - specifically how people from different generations fail to understand one another. Why do you think it is so? What can we do to reduce this gap?
Appreciating the Poem. Rhyme scheme
Rhyme scheme is the pattern of sounds that repeats at the end of a line or stanza. In other words, it is a specific pattern used in a poem that determines which lines rhyme. Rhyme schemes can change line by line, stanza by stanza or can continue throughout a poem Rhyme scheme patterns are encoded by letters of the alphabet. Lines designated with the same letter rhyme with each other. For example, in the rhyme scheme AABB, the first line rhymes with the second line, and the third line rhymes with the fourth line.
A Now, read 'You Are Old, Father William' carefully once again and find the rhyme scheme of the poem.
Write Well· Writing a paragraph
A. How was the poet dealt with the theme of old age in the poem? Do you agree with the depiction? Explain your viewpoint in a short paragraph.
Answers
Here's a breakdown of your study material based on "You Are Old, Father William" by Lewis Carroll, including a guide to answer the questions:
Understanding the Poem
SummaryThe poem is structured as a humorous dialogue where a young man questions his father, Father William, about his eccentric behaviours despite his old age. Father William responds to each question with witty answers, turning expectations about aging upside down.
Word Meanings:
Incessantly: Constantly, without stopping.
Locks: Hair.
Supple: Flexible.
Suet: Animal fat used in cooking.
Don’t give yourself airs: Don’t act arrogant or self-important.
Exercises
A. Tick the Correct Answers
Father William's hair has become
a. very white
How did Father William keep his limbs flexible in his youth?
c. By rubbing an ointment on them
Which best describes the theme of the poem?
c. Old people should act their age. (Though options may vary by perspective)
B. Read the Lines and Answer
"In my youth," Father William replied to his son,
"I feared it would injure the brain;
But now that I'm perfectly sure I have none,
Why, I do it again and again."
a. He feared standing on his head might damage his brain.
b. His fear was not justified, as he humorously claims he doesn’t have a brain to injure.
c. ‘It’ refers to standing on his head.
"I have answered three questions, and that is enough," Said his father; "don't give yourself airs!"
a. The son asked several questions, but here the father acknowledges three.
b. ‘Airs’ means acting arrogantly or self-importantly.
C. Answer the Questions
What is the young man trying to say when he points to his father that his hair is white?
He is hinting that his father is old and should behave according to his age.
How does the father react to his son's criticism of standing on his head?
He responds humorously, saying he no longer fears injury because he believes he doesn’t have a brain to damage.
What are the amazing things that the old man can do in spite of his age?
Father William can stand on his head, turn a back-somersault, eat tough food, and balance an eel on his nose.
What helped the father in strengthening his muscles?
Father William attributes his strong jaws to arguing cases with his wife, which he humorously suggests strengthened his jaw muscles.
Why does the father stop answering the questions?
He feels that three questions are enough and doesn’t want to listen to any more of his son’s nagging.
Character Sketch of Father William:
Father William is witty, humorous, and full of energy despite his age. He defies conventional expectations of old age by performing feats that are typically expected of younger people. His responses to his son's questions reflect a playful attitude and an unusual outlook on life.
Think and Answer - Critical Thinking
The poem highlights the generation gap, where each generation has different views on behavior and values. This gap often arises due to differing experiences and outlooks on life. To bridge this, open-mindedness and empathy are essential, where both generations learn to appreciate each other's perspectives.
Appreciating the Poem - Rhyme Scheme
To find the rhyme scheme, match the end sounds of each line:
Stanza 1: head - A, white - B, head - A, right - B
The pattern continues similarly, making the rhyme scheme ABAB for each stanza.
Write Well - Writing a Paragraph
The poet uses humor to challenge stereotypes about old age. Father William, who should be calm and frail according to society's standards, displays remarkable energy and wit. This ironic portrayal invites readers to question assumptions about aging.
Yes, the depiction resonates because it reflects that age doesn’t necessarily dictate behavior or diminish capability.
Here are 20 Multiple Answer Questions (MAQs) based on "You Are Old, Father William" by Lewis Carroll:
What is Father William's main response to his son's questions?
a. He ignores them.
b. He answers them humorously.
c. He scolds him immediately.
d. He explains seriously.
What unusual activity does Father William perform despite his age?
a. Standing on his head.
b. Jogging.
c. Turning a back-somersault.
d. Balancing objects.
What color is Father William’s hair?
a. Brown.
b. Red.
c. Very white.
d. Gray.
Why does Father William say he stands on his head repeatedly?
a. To strengthen his muscles.
b. He’s sure he has no brain to injure.
c. To entertain himself.
d. Because he is told to.
In the poem, what does the young man suggest Father William should do because of his age?
a. Act younger.
b. Rest more.
c. Avoid difficult activities.
d. Stop joking.
How did Father William keep his limbs flexible in his youth?
a. By using a special ointment.
b. By doing yoga.
c. By playing sports.
d. By taking regular baths.
What did the young man criticize Father William for in terms of physical appearance?
a. His weight.
b. His hair color.
c. His clothing.
d. His wrinkled skin.
Why does Father William stop answering questions?
a. He is tired.
b. He thinks three questions are enough.
c. He feels his son is disrespectful.
d. He needs to go somewhere.
How did Father William’s legal background help him physically?
a. It strengthened his legs.
b. It developed his jaw muscles.
c. It made him think faster.
d. It improved his hearing.
Which of these best describes Father William’s personality?
a. Serious and strict.
b. Energetic and humorous.
c. Tired and wise.
d. Young at heart.
What does the phrase "don’t give yourself airs" mean in the context of the poem?
a. Don’t speak loudly.
b. Don’t act too proud.
c. Don’t laugh too much.
d. Don’t breathe too hard.
What is the young man's attitude towards his father’s actions?
a. Supportive.
b. Confused.
c. Concerned.
d. Amused.
What does Father William say about his brain?
a. It is very sharp.
b. He lost it long ago.
c. He is sure he doesn’t have one.
d. It is well-protected.
What is the rhyme scheme of the poem?
a. ABAB.
b. AABB.
c. ABBA.
d. ABCB.
What does Father William balance on his nose to show his skills?
a. A glass.
b. An eel.
c. A bird.
d. A book.
What genre does Lewis Carroll’s poem belong to?
a. Romance.
b. Comedy.
c. Literary nonsense.
d. Historical fiction.
Father William’s responses mainly demonstrate which theme?
a. Old age should be respected.
b. Aging doesn’t define one’s abilities.
c. Young people know better.
d. Age brings wisdom.
What does Father William offer to sell his son?
a. An ointment.
b. A health tonic.
c. A magical cream.
d. A special soap.
The poem’s humor comes largely from the contrast between Father William’s age and his…
a. Youthful actions.
b. Strict attitude.
c. Fashion choices.
d. Relationship with his son.
Which of the following best describes the relationship between the father and son?
a. Tense and argumentative.
b. Light-hearted and humorous.
c. Respectful and serious.
d. Distant and indifferent.
These questions help reinforce comprehension of the poem's themes, structure, and the playful tone in Father William's responses.
Here are the questions with the correct answers:
What is Father William's main response to his son's questions?
b. He answers them humorously.
What unusual activity does Father William perform despite his age?
a. Standing on his head.
What color is Father William’s hair?
c. Very white.
Why does Father William say he stands on his head repeatedly?
b. He’s sure he has no brain to injure.
In the poem, what does the young man suggest Father William should do because of his age?
c. Avoid difficult activities.
How did Father William keep his limbs flexible in his youth?
a. By using a special ointment.
What did the young man criticize Father William for in terms of physical appearance?
a. His weight.
Why does Father William stop answering questions?
b. He thinks three questions are enough.
How did Father William’s legal background help him physically?
b. It developed his jaw muscles.
Which of these best describes Father William’s personality?
b. Energetic and humorous.
What does the phrase "don’t give yourself airs" mean in the context of the poem?
b. Don’t act too proud.
What is the young man's attitude towards his father’s actions?
c. Concerned.
What does Father William say about his brain?
c. He is sure he doesn’t have one.
What is the rhyme scheme of the poem?
a. ABAB.
What does Father William balance on his nose to show his skills?
b. An eel.
What genre does Lewis Carroll’s poem belong to?
c. Literary nonsense.
Father William’s responses mainly demonstrate which theme?
b. Aging doesn’t define one’s abilities.
What does Father William offer to sell his son?
a. An ointment.
The poem’s humor comes largely from the contrast between Father William’s age and his…
a. Youthful actions.
Which of the following best describes the relationship between the father and son?
b. Light-hearted and humorous.
