Poem Analysis - What If

Anxious Bedtime Thoughts

Shel Silverstein's "What If" captures the anxieties and irrational fears that often plague us, particularly at night. The poem uses a lighthearted, almost whimsical tone to address serious concerns, creating a contrast that highlights the often-absurd nature of our worries. While initially playful, the poem gradually builds a sense of underlying unease as the "Whatifs" relentlessly attack. This shift in mood reflects the cyclical and persistent nature of anxiety itself. The poem’s ultimate message is the universality of these worries, and the strange power they can hold over us.

The Playground of Anxiety

The poem’s strength lies in its exploration of the theme of anxiety and fear. Silverstein doesn't focus on grand, existential dread, but rather on the everyday anxieties of childhood and adolescence. "Whatif I'm dumb in school? Whatif they've closed the swimming pool? Whatif I get beat up?" These questions represent the common fears of failure, social exclusion, and physical harm that many young people experience. The rapid-fire succession of "Whatifs" creates a sense of overwhelming dread, mirroring the way anxieties can snowball and become all-consuming.

Images of the Absurd and the Real

The poem employs a mix of realistic and absurd imagery to represent the spectrum of anxieties. Fears like "Whatif my parents get divorced?" and "Whatif they start a war?" touch on real-world possibilities, grounding the poem in legitimate concerns. However, these are juxtaposed with more fantastical and humorous anxieties such as "Whatif green hair grows on my chest?" and "Whatif my head starts getting smaller?" This blend of the real and the absurd serves to illustrate how anxiety can latch onto both rational and irrational fears, amplifying them equally. The exaggerated images also subtly mock the power of these anxieties, suggesting that some fears are ultimately ridiculous and unfounded.

The Relentless Cycle

The recurring image of the "Whatifs" as creatures that "crawled inside my ear / and pranced and partied all night long" is particularly effective. This personification of anxieties gives them a life of their own, suggesting that they are an external force that invades the speaker's mind. Their endless "Whatif song" emphasizes the repetitive and cyclical nature of anxiety. The poem's ending, "Everything seems well, and then / the nighttime Whatifs strike again!" reinforces this idea, highlighting the persistent and often unpredictable nature of anxiety, which can return even when things seem to be going well. The very form of the poem, a series of questions followed by a conclusion of more questions, supports the repetitive meaning.

Finding Meaning in Fear

Ultimately, "What If" is a powerful exploration of the universality of anxiety. By using simple language, relatable scenarios, and a touch of humor, Silverstein makes the experience of anxiety accessible to a wide audience. The poem doesn't offer a solution to anxiety, but rather acknowledges its existence and its impact on our lives. Its significance lies in its ability to connect with readers on a personal level, reminding us that we are not alone in our fears and worries. Perhaps the poem's open-ended nature even encourages readers to confront their own "Whatifs" and question their validity.