Poem Analysis - The Meehoo With An Exactlywatt

A Playful Exercise in Absurdity

Shel Silverstein's "The Meehoo With An Exactlywatt" is a lighthearted, nonsensical poem that thrives on wordplay and escalating confusion. The poem takes the form of a classic "knock knock" joke, but quickly spirals into an illogical exchange. Its tone is initially playful and teasing, but it gradually shifts towards frustration and exasperation, primarily on the part of the recipient of the joke. The poem ultimately embraces the absurd, finding humor in the breakdown of communication.

The Theme of Miscommunication

A central theme of "The Meehoo With An Exactlywatt" is the inherent difficulty of communication. The entire poem is built upon misunderstandings and a failure to connect. The "Me" character intentionally uses ambiguous language, leading to a cyclical exchange where the other character becomes increasingly frustrated. Lines like "What's what you want to know? / Me, who?" and "That's what I want to know!" highlight the circular reasoning and the impossibility of a straightforward answer. The poem suggests that language, while intended to bridge gaps, can also create them, especially when used playfully or deceptively.

The Symbolism of the "Exactlywatt"

The "Exactlywatt" is arguably the most intriguing element of the poem and acts as a central symbol. Its nonsensical nature invites multiple interpretations. It could represent a red herring, a distraction used to prolong the joke. It might also symbolize an object of great importance, whose true nature is deliberately concealed. The fact that it is "on a chain" suggests a sense of control or possession. One unique interpretation could see the "Exactlywatt" as representing an abstract concept like identity or understanding. It's something "Me" possesses but cannot adequately explain, leaving the other character perpetually confused about what "Me" truly *is.* The ambiguity surrounding the Exactlywatt contributes significantly to the poem's overall playful mystique.

Frustration and Release in the Final Exchange

The poem’s tone culminates in the final exchanges, where the recipient of the "knock knock" joke reaches a breaking point. The repetition of "Yes!" and "What's with you?" creates a sense of building tension, leading to the final, exasperated "Go away!" This signals a complete breakdown in communication. However, even after being told to leave, the "Me" character immediately restarts the joke with another "Knock knock…", indicating a persistent refusal to abandon the game. This final act of persistence suggests that the poem's core intention is less about communication and more about the joy of playing with language, even at the expense of another's patience.

A Lighthearted Embrace of Nonsense

"The Meehoo With An Exactlywatt" is a whimsical exploration of language and communication, ultimately celebrating the absurd. The poem's cyclical structure and nonsensical vocabulary create a humorous experience for the reader, inviting us to appreciate the silliness of wordplay. By embracing miscommunication and playful obfuscation, Silverstein reminds us that sometimes, the most meaningful interactions are not about finding answers, but about enjoying the journey of questioning, even if that journey leads to nowhere at all. The enduring appeal of the poem lies in its capacity to tap into a universal appreciation for lighthearted foolishness.