Whose Child is This?

“Whose child is this?” I asked one day

Seeing a little one out at play.

“Mine”, said the parent with a tender smile.

“Mine to keep a little while

To bathe his hands and comb his hair,

To tell him what he is to wear,

To prepare him that he may always be good

And each day do the things he should.”

“Whose child is this?” I asked again,

As the door opened and someone came in

“Mine”, said the teacher with the same tender smile.

“Mine to keep just for a little while.

To teach him how to be gentle and kind.

To train and direct his dear little mind,

To help him live by every rule

And get the best he can from school.”

“Whose child is this?” I ask once more, Just as the little one entered the door.

“Ours”, said the parent and the teacher as they smiled, And each took the hand of the little child.

“Ours to love and train together Ours this blessed task forever.”

এইটি কার শিশু?
“এইটি কার শিশু?”—একদিন আমি জিজ্ঞাসা করলাম,
একটি ছোট্ট শিশুকে খেলতে দেখে মাঠে।
“আমার,” বললেন অভিভাবক কোমল হাসি হেসে,
“আমার, সাময়িক সময়ের জন্যই শুধু।
তার হাত ধুয়ে দেওয়া, চুল আঁচড়ে দেওয়া,
কি পরবে তা বলে দেওয়া,
তাকে এমনভাবে গড়ে তোলা যাতে সে সবসময় ভালো থাকে,
প্রতিদিন যা যা করণীয়, সেগুলো পালন করে।“

“এইটি কার শিশু?”—আমি আবার জিজ্ঞাসা করলাম,
একজন দরজা দিয়ে ভেতরে প্রবেশ করতেই।
“আমার,” বললেন শিক্ষক, একই কোমল হাসি নিয়ে।
“আমার, সাময়িক সময়ের জন্য।
তাকে শেখাতে কেমন করে নম্র আর সদয় হতে হয়,
তার কোমল মনটিকে গড়ে তুলতে,
তাকে নিয়ম মেনে চলতে শেখাতে,
আর বিদ্যালয় থেকে সর্বোচ্চটা পাওয়ার পথ দেখাতে।“

“এইটি কার শিশু?”—আমি আবারও প্রশ্ন করলাম,
ঠিক তখনই ছোট্ট শিশুটি ঘরে প্রবেশ করল।
“আমাদের,” বললেন অভিভাবক ও শিক্ষক একসাথে হেসে,
আর তারা একসাথে শিশুটির হাত ধরলেন ভালোবেসে।
“আমাদের, একসাথে ভালোবাসা ও শিক্ষা দেওয়ার জন্য,
আমাদের এই আশীর্বাদপুষ্ট দায়িত্ব চিরকাল।“

WH Questions and Answers Based on the Poem “Whose Child is This?”

1. Who is the poem about?
   The poem is about a little child. It also includes the perspectives of a parent and a teacher.
2. What is the main question asked repeatedly in the poem?
   The main question is “Whose child is this?” This question reflects the shared responsibility for the child.
3. When does the speaker ask the question?
   The speaker asks the question when observing a child playing and during different moments. Each time, a different person answers.
4. Where is the child seen playing?
   The child is seen playing outside. It sets the stage for the speaker’s curiosity.
5. Why does the speaker keep asking whose child it is?
   The speaker is curious about who is responsible for the child. The question reflects the roles in a child’s upbringing.
6. Who answers the first time the question is asked?
   The parent answers the first time. They claim the child as their own.
7. What does the parent say about the child?
   The parent says the child is theirs for a short time. They care for the child’s daily needs and moral growth.
8. How does the parent describe their responsibilities?
   The parent mentions bathing, grooming, dressing the child, and teaching them to be good. These are nurturing responsibilities.
9. Who answers the question the second time?
   The teacher answers the second time. The teacher also claims responsibility for the child.
10. What does the teacher say they do for the child?
    The teacher teaches the child to be kind and gentle. They also help the child follow rules and succeed in school.
11. How does the teacher contribute to the child’s life?
    The teacher trains the child’s mind and instills discipline. Their role supports the child’s intellectual and moral development.
12. What is the tone of both the parent and teacher?
    Both speak with a tender and loving tone. This reflects their care for the child.
13. When does the child re-enter the scene?
    The child enters just as the question is asked a third time. This leads to a united answer from both adult figures.
14. What is different about the third answer?
    The third answer is given jointly by the parent and teacher. They acknowledge shared responsibility for the child.
15. Why do the parent and teacher claim the child together?
    They understand the child needs both home and school influences. Their combined effort is essential for the child’s growth.
16. What is the final message of the poem?
    The poem emphasizes shared responsibility. Both parent and teacher must love and guide the child together.
17. How do the parent and teacher show unity?
    They speak together and take the child’s hand. This symbolizes cooperation and joint care.
18. What qualities do the parent and teacher try to instill?
    They try to teach kindness, discipline, and responsibility. These values help shape the child’s character.
19. Who benefits from the cooperation between parent and teacher?
    The child benefits most. A unified approach provides stronger guidance.
20. What does the repeated question imply?
    It implies concern and interest. It also serves as a poetic refrain linking the stanzas.
21. What literary device is used in the repetition?
    The poem uses repetition as a rhetorical device. It reinforces the central theme.
22. What is the parent’s view of time with the child?
    The parent sees their time as temporary. This highlights the urgency and importance of their role.
23. How does the teacher view their time with the child?
    The teacher also sees it as brief. They focus on maximizing that time for learning and growth.
24. What kind of education does the teacher provide?
    The teacher provides moral and academic education. Their focus is on overall development.
25. What does the parent provide at home?
    The parent provides physical care and foundational values. These are the child’s first lessons.
26. What emotion is conveyed throughout the poem?
    Love and care are the dominant emotions. Both speakers express tenderness.
27. What is the poem’s structure?
    It follows a simple question-and-answer format. This gives it clarity and rhythm.
28. What role does the narrator play?
    The narrator acts as a curious observer. They ask the main question repeatedly.
29. How many times is the question asked?
    The question is asked three times. Each leads to a deeper understanding.
30. Why is the answer different each time?
    Because different roles are involved. First the parent, then the teacher, and finally both.
31. What is the final answer to the question?
    The final answer is “Ours.” This reflects shared commitment.
32. Why do both claim the child in the end?
    They realize both influences are vital. Only together can they raise the child well.
33. What does the child symbolize?
    The child represents the future. Their growth depends on adult guidance.
34. How is the poem inspirational?
    It promotes collaboration in raising children. This is a positive and hopeful message.
35. What can educators learn from this poem?
    They learn the value of partnering with parents. Together, they support a child’s full development.
36. What can parents learn from this poem?
    They learn to appreciate teachers’ roles. Education is not only at home.
37. How does the poem reflect real-life roles?
    It mirrors how children need both home and school input. Neither role is complete alone.
38. What feeling does the child’s entrance evoke?
    It creates a moment of realization. The unity of adult figures becomes clear.
39. What is the significance of the child’s hand being held?
    It symbolizes guidance and protection. The child is not alone.
40. Why is the word “ours” powerful in the poem?
    It shows unity and collective love. It binds the roles together.
41. How is love shown in the poem?
    Through gentle words and shared responsibility. Love is central to the message.
42. What does the poem suggest about raising children?
    It suggests that it’s a joint effort. Community support is key.
43. Who else could the poem apply to, beyond parents and teachers?
    It could apply to society as a whole. Everyone has a part in nurturing children.
44. How does the poem value education?
    It places it alongside parenting. Both are crucial to a child’s growth.
45. What does the poem say about time?
    Time with children is brief but precious. Every moment counts.
46. Why is gentleness important in the poem?
    It helps in teaching and guiding. Children respond to kindness.
47. How does the poem encourage teamwork?
    It shows that collaboration leads to better care. A team approach is most effective.
48. What makes the poem universal?
    Its message applies to all families and cultures. All children need love and guidance.
49. What lesson does the poem teach children indirectly?
    That they are loved and cared for by many. They are not alone in the world.
50. Why is the poem memorable?
    Its repetition, message, and tenderness make it memorable. It speaks to the heart.
51. Who is the speaker in the poem?
    The speaker is an observer questioning the roles of the parent and teacher. They act as a narrator seeking to understand the child’s guardianship.
52. What question does the speaker repeat?
    The speaker asks, “Whose child is this?”three times. This repetition emphasizes shared responsibility for the child’s upbringing.
53. How does the parent describe their role?
    The parent claims the child is theirs “to keep a little while.”They focus on physical care (bathing, dressing) and moral guidance.
54. What responsibilities does the teacher highlight?
    The teacher aims to teach kindness, discipline, and learning. They nurture the child’s mind and adherence to rules.
55. What happens when the parent and teacher answer together?
    They declare the child is “ours”and share the task of love and training. This symbolizes collaboration in raising the child.
56. What is the central theme of the poem?
    The poem highlights shared responsibility between parents and teachers. It stresses teamwork in nurturing a child’s growth.
57. How does the poem portray parenting?
    Parenting involves daily care (bathing, dressing) and moral lessons. It’s framed as a temporary but sacred duty.
58. What does the teacher symbolize?
    The teacher represents education and social development. They prepare the child to follow rules and succeed in school.
59. Why is the child called a “blessed task”?
    Raising the child is seen as a sacred, joyful duty. It underscores the value of guiding the next generation.
60. How does the poem address societal roles?
    It shows that raising a child requires collaboration between home and school. Society benefits when both work together.
61. What literary device is used in “Mine… Mine… Ours”?
    It uses dialogueto contrast individual and shared ownership. Repetition emphasizes shifting responsibility.
62. How does repetition enhance the poem’s message?
    Repeating “Whose child is this?”stresses the question of guardianship. It reinforces the theme of collective care.
63. What does the door symbolize in the poem?
    The door represents transitions—home to school, individual to shared roles. It marks the entrance of the teacher into the child’s life.
64. Why does the parent and teacher “smile”?
    Their smiles reflect pride and tenderness in their roles. It conveys mutual respect and shared purpose.
65. How does the poem use imagery?
    Images like “bathe his hands”and “train his mind” contrast physical and intellectual care. This paints a holistic view of upbringing.
66. What does the parent teach the child?
    The parent teaches hygiene, dressing, and moral behavior. They focus on foundational life skills.
67. What values does the teacher instill?
    The teacher emphasizes kindness, discipline, and academic growth. They prepare the child for societal norms.
68. How do the parent and teacher differ in their roles?
    The parent handles daily care, while the teacher shapes the mind. Both roles are complementary, not competing.
69. Why do the parent and teacher hold the child’s hands together?
    This gesture symbolizes unity and partnership. It shows their commitment to raising the child collaboratively.
70. What does “keep a little while”imply?
    Childhood is temporary; guardianship is fleeting. It reminds adults to cherish their time guiding the child.
71. What does the child represent in the poem?
    The child symbolizes potential and societal future. Their upbringing impacts the community’s well-being.
72. How does the poem view education?
    Education is a partnership between home and school. It’s essential for moral and intellectual growth.
73. What is the significance of the “tender smile”?
    It reflects love and dedication from both parent and teacher. Their shared affection benefits the child.
74. Why is the task called “blessed”?
    Raising a child is portrayed as a sacred, rewarding duty. It highlights the honor in nurturing the young.
75. How does the poem challenge individualism?
    It rejects the idea of solitary responsibility. Collective effort ensures the child’s holistic development.
76. What emotions do the parent and teacher express?
    Pride, tenderness, and commitment. Their shared joy reflects fulfillment in their roles.
77. How does the poem inspire readers?
    It encourages collaboration between parents and teachers. Their teamwork models ideal child-rearing.
78. What societal critique does the poem imply?
    It critiques isolated parenting or teaching. Success requires both roles working in harmony.
79. How does the poem address fleeting time?
    Phrases like “a little while”remind adults childhood is brief. It urges mindful guidance during formative years.
80. Why is the child’s entrance through a door significant?
    Doors symbolize new phases (home to school). Each entrance marks a shift in guardianship.
81. How does the poem’s structure reflect its theme?
    Three stanzas mirror the three guardianship claims (parent, teacher, both). Progression shows expanding responsibility.
82. What rhyme scheme does the poem use?
    It follows an AABB pattern. Rhyming couplets create a rhythmic, lyrical flow.
83. Why is dialogue used instead of narration?
    Dialogue personalizes the parent’s and teacher’s voices. It makes their roles immediate and relatable.
84. How does the poem balance simplicity and depth?
    Simple language conveys profound themes. Accessible words highlight universal truths about upbringing.
85. What effect does the final stanza’s unity create?
    The joint declaration (“Ours”) resolves the speaker’s question. It leaves a lasting message of collaboration.
86. How does this poem differ from traditional parenting poems?
    It shifts focus from sole parental duty to shared responsibility. Teachers are equal partners in upbringing.
87. What modern values does the poem promote?
    Community-driven child-rearing and teamwork. It aligns with contemporary emphasis on collaborative education.
88. How might this poem resonate in educational settings?
    Teachers and parents could use it to foster partnerships. It validates both roles in a child’s success.
89. How does the poem compare to societal views on parenting?
    Challenges the notion that parenting is private. Advocates for communal support in raising children.
90. What makes this poem timeless?
    Universal themes of care, education, and collaboration. These values transcend cultural and temporal boundaries.
91. What moral duty does the poem assign adults?
    To guide children with love and wisdom. Adults must model kindness, discipline, and cooperation.
92. How does the poem define successful upbringing?
    Success lies in balancing physical care, moral teaching, and education. Collaboration between home and school is key.
93. Why is the child’s holistic development emphasized?
    A well-rounded child benefits society. Intellectual, emotional, and moral growth are interdependent.
94. What ethical lesson do the parent and teacher model?
    Selflessness and shared responsibility. They prioritize the child’s needs over individual credit.
95. How does the poem address the child’s autonomy?
    While adults guide, the child’s future depends on this foundation. Autonomy grows from structured nurturing.
96. How might a parent and teacher use this poem?
    As a discussion starter for partnership. It could inspire joint efforts in a child’s education.
97. What imagery would complement the poem?
    A parent and teacher holding a child’s hands, walking toward a school. Warm colors to symbolize unity.
98. How does the poem inspire community involvement?
    It implies that raising children is a collective effort. Extended family, mentors, and society also play roles.
99. What personal reflection might the poem prompt?
    Readers may evaluate their roles in supporting children. It encourages gratitude for caregivers and educators.
100. Why is the poem’s title a question?

To provoke thought about ownership of a child’s upbringing. The answer—“ours”—challenges individualistic views.