Read the extract: 'He said, "Allow me to present Your Highness with a rose." And taking out a currant bun He held it to my nose. I staggered back against the wall And then I answered, "Well!"' (i) Why does the funny man address the poet as 'Your Highness'?
The funny man addresses the poet as 'Your Highness' as a form of mock respect and playful exaggeration.
This adds to the humour and absurdity of the poem, as treating an ordinary person like royalty while wearing a shoe on his head and hats on his feet creates a comical contrast between his words and his ridiculous appearance.
Explanation
The use of 'Your Highness' is part of the funny man's absurd behaviour. He creates a humorous contrast by using formal, respectful language typically reserved for royalty while behaving in a completely nonsensical manner. This juxtaposition of formal speech with ridiculous actions enhances the comedic effect of the poem.
Solution Steps
The funny man uses 'Your Highness' as a form of mock respect and playful exaggeration
This address adds to the humour and absurdity of the poem
The comical contrast is created between formal respectful language and the funny man's ridiculous appearance