Shel Silverstein Poem Analysis 13

Whatif

By Shel Silverstein

The “Whatif” poem is the very image of the human nature which cannot stop from wondering about the infinite things that might happen. Man has always asked himself millions of questions and that is why it has somehow evolved. But what makes this poem truly amazing is the way questions are seen as small creatures that come inside one’s ear and party all night long.

The poet’s mind is flooded by all kinds of questions but this does certainly not stop him from amusement which makes the attitude to be a positive one. The questions are sometimes hilarious and sometimes serious and all this alternation points out once again how moody and complex and difficult to understand we, people, are.

And after such an endless stream of questions one might expect that things will come to end yet, in an unexpected way we are told that just when things seem to be well, “the nighttime Whatifs strike again!”

I find the poem entertaining and full of wisdom at the same time. That is why I believe it should be read by everyone who wants to be reminded that human nature is complex and in a constant search for answers.