A Curiosity

By Helen Leah Reed

Narrative Poem
        I knew a little boy, not very long ago,         Who was as bright and happy as any boy you know.         He had an only fault, and you will all agree         That from a fault like this a boy himself might free.         "I wonder who is there, oh, see! now, why is this?"         And "Oh, where are they going?" and "Tell me what it is?"         Ah! "which" and "why" and "who," and "what" and "where" and "when,"         We often wished that never need we hear those words again.         He seldom stopped to think; he almost always knew         The answer to the questions that around the world he threw.         To children seeking knowledge a quick reply we give,         But answering what he asked was pouring water through a sieve.         Yet you'll admit his fate was as sad as it was strange.         Our eyes we hardly trusted, who slowly saw him change.         More curious grew his head, stemlike his limbs, and hark!         He was at last a mere interrogation-mark!

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poem uses the familiar form of a narrative to explore the corrosive effects of relentless curiosity. Structured in six quatrains with an AABB rhyme scheme, the poem establishes a playful tone in the opening stanzas, depicting a bright and inquisitive boy. The simple language and conversational rhythm create a sense of intimacy, inviting the reader to share in the narrator's observations. However, the poem takes a darker turn as the boy's insatiable questioning becomes overwhelming. The repetition of words like who, what, where, why, and when emphasizes the relentless nature of his inquiries, eventually transforming into a relentless barrage that drains the narrator's patience. The poem's imagery becomes increasingly unsettling as the boy's physical transformation mirrors his intellectual obsession. His stemlike limbs and final state as a mere interrogation-mark suggest a chilling metamorphosis, a complete surrender to the insatiable thirst for knowledge at the expense of everything else. The poem ends on a note of profound unease, leaving the reader to contemplate the dangers of unchecked curiosity. The boy's transformation into an interrogation mark is a powerful and disturbing metaphor for the potential pitfalls of an untempered pursuit of knowledge.

Exploring Narrative Poetry

Narrative poetry is a form of poetry that tells a story, often making use of the voices of a narrator and characters as well. Unlike lyric poetry, which focuses on emotions and thoughts, narrative poetry is dedicated to storytelling, weaving tales that captivate readers through plot and character development.

Narrative poems are unique in their ability to combine the depth of storytelling with the expressive qualities of poetry. Here are some defining characteristics:

  • Structured Plot: Narrative poems typically have a clear beginning, middle, and end, following a plot that might involve conflict, climax, and resolution, much like a short story or novel.
  • Character Development: Characters in narrative poems are often well-developed, with distinct voices and personalities that drive the story forward.
  • Descriptive Language: The language used in narrative poetry is vivid and descriptive, painting a clear picture of the scenes and events, while also conveying the emotions and atmosphere of the story.

From ancient epics like "The Iliad" and "The Odyssey" to more modern narrative poems, this form continues to engage readers by blending the art of storytelling with the beauty and rhythm of poetry.