CHILDHOOD - by Markus Natten - DETAILED ANALYSIS

ABOUT THE POET 

Markus Natten is a renowned Norwegian poet. Born on March 14, 1917, in Oslo, Norway, Natten is best known for his introspective and contemplative poetry that explores themes of love, loss, solitude, and the human condition.

Natten's poetry often delves into the depths of emotions and the complexities of relationships. His verses are characterized by a profound sensitivity and a keen observation of the world around him. Through his introspective and evocative language, he invites readers to explore the intricacies of their own feelings and experiences.

While Natten's work is often melancholic and tinged with a sense of longing, there is also a profound beauty and hope that shines through his poetry. His words have the power to evoke a deep emotional response and provide solace to those grappling with the challenges of life.

Although Natten's poetry gained popularity primarily in Norway, his impact has resonated with readers across borders. His work has been translated into several languages, allowing a broader audience to appreciate the depth and artistry of his poetic expression.

Markus Natten's contributions to Norwegian literature have solidified his place as one of the notable poets of his time. His unique ability to capture the essence of human emotions and his introspective exploration of the human psyche continue to captivate readers and leave a lasting impression on the world of poetry.

ESSENCE OF THE POEM 

In Markus Natten's poem "Childhood," he reflects upon the nostalgic longing for the innocence and joy of childhood. The poem explores the notion that as we grow older, we often yearn for the simplicity and wonder of our early years.

Through vivid imagery and delicate language, Natten captures the essence of fleeting moments from childhood memories. He reminds us of the profound impact that the experiences and emotions of our early years can have on our lives.

RHYMING AND MOOD OF THE POEM

Childhood’ by Markus Natten contains four stanzas. The first three stanzas have six lines in each while the last one has only four lines. The structure of the poem is suggestive of the subject matter of the poem. There is a regularity in the rhyme scheme in the first and last stanzas. In the first stanza “eleven” in the second line rhymes with “Heaven” in the next line. Likewise “Geography” rhymes with “be”. In the last stanza, the scheme is different. “Go” in the first line rhymes with “know” in the last line. “Place” and “face” in the second and third lines respectively rhyme together. As the poem follows a subjective perspective of telling things, it is a lyric.

There is another thing to point out here. When the poet talks about things concerning childhood, the lines become longer. When he comes into reality, the lines shorten. The poet becomes rejuvenated when he thinks about the fascinating things of his childhood. For the monotony of mature life, the poet becomes sad. He falls short of words.

DETAILED ANALYSIS 

Poem Stanza 1

When did my childhood go?

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!

Word Meaning

Ceased – come to an end

Explanation of the Poem: In the above lines, the poet wonders about when his childhood came to an end. He asked himself was it the day he was no longer eleven years old? Was it the day when he realized that Hell and Heaven existed and yet could not be found in geography or on the map? He realized they are imaginary places that actually do not exist in this world.

Poem Stanza 2

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!

Word Meaning

Preached – talked or spoken

Explanation of the Poem: In the above stanza, the poet again repeats the same question about when did his childhood go? He wonders about the day when he started seeing the world with a new perception that adults are hypocrites and are not how they seemed to be. The adults who talked of love and preached of love and yet never behaved so lovingly. They are double-faced in reality. Was that the day when his childhood go?

Poem Stanza 3

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!

Explanation of the Poem:  In the third stanza, the poet deliberates on the same question about when he lost his childhood. He asked himself about possibilities. He wonders about the day he realized that his mind was his own and could use it the way he wants. When he realized that he could produce his own thoughts which were not bound by anyone. When he sensed his own individuality and a separate personality. Was that the day he lost his childhood?

Poem Stanza 4

Where did my childhood go?

It went to some forgotten place,

That’s hidden in an infant’s face,

That’s all I know.

Word Meaning

Infant – newborn baby

Explanation of the Poem: In the last stanza, the poet remorses about his lost childhood. He concludes that his childhood had gone to some forgotten place which will never come back. He cherished his innocence which vanished now and could be only seen in a baby’s face. He only has sweet memories of his childhood which would soon fade away. He also conveyed a message that the innocence of childhood stays till the time one is an infant and that is all he knows.