Childhood Class 11: Full Notes, Poem & MCQs
Welcome to the complete study guide for Class 11 English Hornbill chapter, “Childhood”. Written by Markus Natten, this deeply reflective poem deals with the poet’s search for his lost childhood and the realization of his journey from innocence to maturity.
The Poem: “Childhood” by Markus Natten
Was it the day I ceased to be eleven,
Was it the time I realised that Hell and Heaven,
Could not be found in Geography,
And therefore could not be,
Was that the day!
When did my childhood go?
Was it the time I realised that adults were not
all they seemed to be,
They talked of love and preached of love,
But did not act so lovingly,
Was that the day!
When did my childhood go?
Was it when I found my mind was really mine,
To use whichever way I choose,
Producing thoughts that were not those of other people
But my own, and mine alone
Was that the day!
Where did my childhood go?
It went to some forgotten place,
That’s hidden in an infant’s face,
That’s all I know.
Complete Summary of Childhood
In this poem, the poet thinks deeply about the loss of his childhood. He wonders exactly when he lost his innocence and stepped into adulthood. The poem is divided into four main themes:
Phase 1: Rationalism (Logical Thinking)
In the first stanza, the poet wonders if he lost his childhood when he crossed the age of eleven. He realized that concepts like ‘Hell’ and ‘Heaven’ are imaginary because they cannot be found on any geographical map. This shows the development of logical and rational thinking, which marked the end of his childhood innocence.
Phase 2: Hypocrisy of Adults
In the second stanza, the poet realizes that adults are hypocrites. They are not what they appear to be. While adults talk and preach about love, their actions are completely different. They often fight and act with hatred. Recognizing this double standard of adults is another sign that he had grown up.
Phase 3: Individuality and Free Will
In the third stanza, the poet discovers his own individuality. He realizes that his mind belongs only to him, and he can produce his own unique thoughts without being influenced or controlled by others. Developing an independent sense of self was the final step in losing his childhood.
Phase 4: Where did it go?
In the final stanza, the poet’s question changes from “When” to “Where” did his childhood go. He concludes that his childhood has vanished into some forgotten past. It can only be found hidden in the innocent face of a small baby (infant). Childhood is a phase of purity that, once lost, never returns.
Important Word Meanings
| Word/Phrase | Meaning in English |
|---|---|
| Ceased | To come to an end; stopped. |
| Preached | To give religious or moral advice. |
| Hypocrite | A person whose actions do not match their words (adults in the poem). |
| Individuality | The quality of having your own thoughts and personality. |
| Infant | A very young child or baby. |
Important Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
Practice these highly important exam-oriented MCQs based on the poem ‘Childhood’.
Top Exam Questions and Answers (FAQs)
1. Rationalism: The First stanza, where the poet realizes that Hell and Heaven do not exist in Geography.
2. Hypocrisy: The Second stanza, where the poet points out that adults preach about love but do not practice it.
3. Individuality: The Third stanza, where the poet discovers that he has a mind of his own and can think independently.