Question 23 of 45intermediate🔍 AnalyzeShort Answer2 marks

What does the reaction of the funny man to the poet's question tell us about him?

Correct Answer

The funny man's reaction to the poet's question—turning away and hopping home on his head—shows that he is a mysterious, unconventional character who does not follow normal social expectations.

Instead of answering the question directly, he responds with another absurd action, reinforcing his playful and nonsensical nature.

He remains consistent in his bizarre behaviour from beginning to end.

Exercise: Let us think and reflect | Q: I.2(iii) | (Page Page 5)
For More Understanding

Explanation

When the poet asks 'My friend, why do you wear two hats Upon your feet?', the funny man does not provide a logical explanation. Instead, he 'turned the other way about, And hopped home on his head.' This reaction shows that the funny man is not bound by conventional rules of behaviour or communication. His response is another act of absurdity, maintaining the whimsical and nonsensical tone of the poem until the very end.

Solution Steps

  1. The funny man's reaction—turning away and hopping home on his head—reveals his mysterious and unconventional character

  2. He does not follow normal social expectations of communication

  3. Instead of giving a direct answer, he responds with another absurd action

  4. This reinforces his playful and nonsensical nature

  5. He remains consistent in his bizarre behaviour throughout the poem

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