Poem Analysis - Runnys Heading Rabits

A Whimsical Twist on Literary Choices

Shel Silverstein's "Runny’s Heading Rabits" is a lighthearted and humorous poem that celebrates the joy of nonsensical wordplay and unexpected choices. The poem's tone is playful and silly, maintained consistently throughout the short piece. It presents a scenario of a character, Runny, venturing into a library, only to defy expectations in his selection of reading material. The simplicity and absurdity are characteristic of Silverstein's style, appealing to readers of all ages.

The Allure of the Absurd

One of the central themes of the poem is the subversion of expectations. Runny enters a library filled with books categorized into conventional genres like history, geography, and stories. The poem builds anticipation, suggesting a serious or educational choice. However, the punchline reveals Runny's selection: a "bomic cook!" This unexpected twist highlights the allure of the absurd and the pleasure derived from defying norms. The poem gently suggests that there's value in choosing something purely for amusement, even if it seems unconventional or nonsensical.

The Power of "B"

The poem heavily relies on the recurring sound of "b," a technique that contributes significantly to its playful tone and reinforces its themes. The repeated "b" sounds in words like "bundreds," "books," "bistory," "beography," "bory," "bience," "boetry," and "bomic" create a sense of silliness and rhythm. This alliteration is not merely decorative; it's integral to the poem's humor and its lighthearted approach to Runny's reading choice. The consistent "b" sound unifies the poem, making the eventual choice of the "bomic cook" book feel like a natural, albeit absurd, culmination of the linguistic play.

The Symbolism of the Library

The library itself acts as a symbol of established knowledge and conventional learning. By setting the poem in a library, Silverstein creates a framework of expectations. The rows and rows of categorized books represent the structured world of education and information. Runny's choice to ignore these established categories and opt for a "bomic cook" book becomes a symbolic act of rebellion against rigid structures. It suggests that learning and enjoyment can be found outside traditional boundaries, in unexpected and perhaps even silly places.

A Final Serving of Silliness

In conclusion, "Runny’s Heading Rabits" is a delightful poem that showcases Shel Silverstein's talent for whimsical wordplay and subversive humor. Through its use of alliteration, unexpected choices, and symbolic setting, the poem celebrates the joy of defying expectations and finding amusement in the absurd. The poem's significance lies in its gentle reminder that learning and enjoyment don't always have to be serious or conventional; sometimes, the most rewarding experiences come from embracing the silly and unexpected.