When reading the Shel Silverstein poem Snowball to a young audience member, be careful to observe their expression as they realize why snowballs don’t make excellent pets.
In a single block of text, the poem “Snowball” is eight lines long.
The lines follow a rhyme scheme of ABCBDEFE.
These lines include sufficient rhyming repetition to give them the sing-song sound that is so typical of children’s poetry.
Nevertheless, not to the point that it takes attention away from the story’s point or the end’s lighthearted twist.
Shel Silverstein Poem Snowball
I made myself a snowball
As perfect as could be.
I thought I’d keep it as a pet
And let it sleep with me.
I made it some pajamas
And a pillow for its head.
Then last night it ran away,
But first, it wet the bed.
Content Of The Poem
Humorous endings to pieces of poetry are something Silverstein is quite well known for.
The majority of his writing, or at least the majority of what is read, is geared toward young readers.
Many of the works develop to a startling or amusing conclusion.
The conclusion in this instance shouldn’t be shocking, at least not to the reader.
The child’s understanding of what happened is where the “twist” comes from.
The skill of Silverstein to keep a young reader engaged can be seen in the way he wrote this article so that the reader knew more than the speaker did.
The obvious truth that the pet snowball won’t succeed should stimulate one’s interest in reading more.
There is a second level of substance for an adult reader to appreciate, as with a lot of children’s poetry.
In this instance, Silverstein was talking about how temporary pleasure is.
Similar to how the little boy was unable to bring his beautiful snowball inside.
Human people are often thwarted in their efforts to live joyful, unbroken lives.
Techniques Of Shel Silverstein Poem Snowball
There is no consistent pattern among the eight lines in terms of the meter.
Despite this, the length and amount of syllables in each line remain quite consistent.
Lines 1, 5, 6, and 7 all have seven syllables, for instance, but the remaining lines have either six or eight syllables.
Despite the brief length of this work, Silverstein nonetheless employs a variety of distinct poetic devices considered anaphora.
This type of repetition involves repeating a word or phrase that appears at the start of a line.
Three of the eight lines of Silverstein’s poem begin with “I.”
There are other instances of enjambment where a queue is terminated before it would normally cease.
Most plainly and efficiently, this happens between lines three and four.
Analysis Of Shel Silverstein Poem Snowball
Lines 1-4
“I made myself a snowball
As perfect as could be.
I thought I’d keep it as a pet
And let it sleep with me.”
In the first words of “Snowball,” the speaker makes a straightforward claim.
He fashioned himself “a snowball” outside in the snow. It’s a really simple scenario here. ideally, one that many children might identify with.
Similar language may be found in the next line.
The snowball that was created was “perfect as could be.” When reading this, one should think about how a young reader could interpret this line.
The art of rolling the perfect snowball is universally tough.
A young person would probably hear this and appreciate the significance of that achievement.
The next two sentences, in which the speaker makes an effort to maintain the snowball, would also be relatable to the young listener.
He doesn’t want to throw it away or leave it outside.
He places too much value on the excellence of his invention.
To “let it sleep with” him, he chooses to bring it inside.
A young reader will comprehend what is about to happen at this time.
The speaker seems to have no understanding of what occurs when you bring snow inside and put it on your bed.
Lines 5-8
“I made it some pajamas
And a pillow for its head.
Then last night it ran away,
But first, it wet the bed.”
The speaker of “Snowball” then ridiculously tells how he fashioned “pajamas” for his invention in the following words.
He needed to dress appropriately for it to feel at home with him in his bed.
The thought of pajamas for a snowball is virtually inconceivable.
Another element of the poem that aims to amuse is this one.
Although the occurrences seem bizarre, they are nonetheless comparable to a child’s experience.
The poem’s expected conclusion occurs as the snowball melts overnight.
This is what one would anticipate taking place. The child’s response is what is unexpected.
He views the snowball as having left him rather than melting, as opposed to melting. It “flew off.”
The eighth line may be more suggestive of sadness than the first seven.
The little youngster discovers water in his bed and believes the snowball “wet the bed” before to flying away.
Frequently Asked Questions!
What is the poem Snowball by Shel Silverstein about?
‘Snowball’ by Shel Silverstein briefly tells of a child’s adventures with a perfect snowball and the consequences of bringing it inside. Source
What is a famous poem by Shel Silverstein?
5 Famous Poems by Shel Silverstein are:
- Sick.
- Whatif.
- Where the Sidewalk Ends.
- Snowball.
- Dirty Face.
What is the metaphor of snowball?
As an action or event grows from something unimportant to something larger and more significant, the snowball effect is a metaphor that describes it.
Summary Of Shel Silverstein Poem Snowball
The speaker of the poem begins by recounting how, on one idyllic day, he walked outside and fashioned a snowball.
Everything worked out just well. Although it was difficult, he was able to complete the work.
He had no plans to discard or give it up because it was “perfect”.
This speaker chose to bring it inside and make an effort to retain it instead of discarding it or leaving it outdoors like a youngster may often do.
He seems to be making decisions without considering the possibility that it will melt.
He is determined to keep himself happy and thinks he can do it.
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