Themes and techniques
What If, a poem by Shel Silverstein, is a thought-provoking exploration of imagined possibilities. In the poem, Silverstein preaches the potential of letting go of the mundane and views reality in a different light. The poem is littered with various themes and techniques, with Silverstein’s unique style of narrative, literary devices, and powerful use of language able to capture the imaginations of his readers. The deeper one delves into the poem, the more perspective and understanding can be gained.
Structure
The poem is written in three stanzas, with six lines for stanza one, three lines for stanza two, and four lines for stanza three. The rhyme scheme is intertwined among the stanzas, almost as if the poem was one continuous conversation. The main narrator in the poem is the poet himself, who muses his ‘what ifs’ to an unnamed, perhaps silent, audience. He seems to be pleading, urging his audience to break away from the conventional.
Alliteration and Repetition
What If is replete with alliteration and repetition. The titular phrase ‘what if’ is repeated four times in the poem and acts as a driving rhythmic force. This also touches on the idea of questioning, since the phrase is designed to invite readers to engage in deeper thought. Similarly, the repetition of words like ‘run’, ‘dream’ and ‘scheme’ simultaneously tethers the reader to the poem whilst driving home the narrative.
Metaphors and Imagery
The poem utilizes several metaphors in order to accurately portray its message. ‘Letting go of the rope’ illustrates free-falling into the unknown with no hesitation, as if it is freeing one from their worries. ‘Dancing cheek to cheek’ is used to express the closing of oneself off to the outside world and getting absorbed in one’s own imaginations. Silverstein’s use of real world objects and scenarios to represent the internal and external processes of his readers is integral in conveying his message.
Tone
It’s clear by now that Silverstein is trying to make readers ponder. This is most clearly demonstrated by the narrator’s light, conversational tone, almost as if he is trying to coax his readers out of the rat race. This contrasts heavily with the bubbling sense of urgency and enthusiasm for readers to chase their dreams. Silverstein truly convinces readers that life’s possibilities are endless, utilizing the excitement in his voice to great effect.
Motivated Language
Silverstein’s poem uses motivated language in order to really embed its message. Specifically, ‘do’ is used four times throughout the poem, reinforcing the sense that the narrator is actively trying to encourage readers to take initiative and step outside the proverbial cage. Additionally, the line ‘What if I took the words away?’ is the narrator’s journey of exploration and understanding of unlikely, intangible aspects of life. Fittingly, the journey is taken through words.
Connotations
The words used in the poem have many connotations. The phrase “letting go of the rope” is an illustration of not just the physical act, but of leaving all the troubles and worries one has behind, signifying a metaphorical rope attached to one’s existence that confines their reality. Other phrase, such as “Dream what you want to dream”, connote a sense of freedom to pursue one’s passions, while “Let your thoughts wander” give readers a sense of desiring to know and understand the unknown.
Self-Awareness and Reflection
For all its rhetoric, What If’s primary objective is to make readers consider their actions and decisions in life. Its narrator’s impassioned pleas to engage in self-examination force readers to reflect on their life and re-evaluate the decisions they have made. Silverstein uses the power of his words to urge readers to take account of their lives and pursue their goals, no matter how frivolous.
Conclusion
What If is a poem full of symbolism and metaphors, urging readers to fight for their dreams and challenge the reality around them. Silverstein’s clever use of motivated language, rhythmic devices, and powerful metaphors are integral to imparting his message to readers. What If may come off as a simple poem, but its deeper complexities can only be discovered by the thoughtful reader, leaving them with a newfound understanding of themselves and the world.
