My Shadow
I have a little shadow that goes in and out with me,
And what can I say is more than I can see.
He is very, very like me from the heels up to the head;
And I see him jump before me when I jump into my bed.The funniest thing about him is the way he likes to grow,
Not at all like proper children, who are always very slow;
For he sometimes shoots up taller like an India-rubber ball,
And he sometimes gets so little that there’s none of him at all.He has no notion of how children ought to play,
And can only make a fool of me in every sort of way.
He stays so close beside me; he’s a coward you can see;
I’d think it a shame to stick to nursie as that shadow sticks to me!One morning, very early, before the sun was up,
I rose and found the shining dew on every buttercup.
But my lazy little shadow, like an arrant sleepy-head,
Had stayed at home behind me and was fast asleep in bed.
Summary of the poem My Shadow
- Popularity of “My Shadow”: This delightful poem, penned by the renowned Scottish novelist and travel writer Robert Louis Stevenson, was first published in 1885. It captures the innocent wonder of a child fascinated by their own shadow. The poem beautifully illustrates a child’s imagination and the joy they find in everyday observations.
- My Shadow as a Representative of Joy: Written from the perspective of a young child, “My Shadow” embodies pure joy and playful curiosity. The speaker is captivated by their shadow, marveling at its constant presence and peculiar behavior. The child personifies the shadow, imagining it is afraid of being alone and therefore constantly follows.
- Major Themes in “My Shadow”: Curiosity, imagination, and the wonder of discovery are central themes in this short poem. The speaker’s detailed observations and playful musings highlight the childlike ability to find amusement in the simplest things. The poem celebrates the power of imagination and the joy of exploring the world with fresh eyes.
Analysis of Literary and Poetic Devices in “My Shadow”
Understanding the Building Blocks
Poetry, like all forms of art, utilizes specific techniques to create meaning, evoke emotion, and enhance aesthetic appeal. “My Shadow” is a wonderful example of how seemingly simple language can be elevated through the skillful use of literary and poetic devices. Let’s explore some of the key techniques employed by Stevenson.
Simile and Metaphor: Painting Pictures with Comparisons
Similes and metaphors are figures of speech that compare two unlike things, bringing clarity and vividness to writing. Stevenson masterfully uses simile to help young readers understand the shadow’s behavior. Consider this line: “For he sometimes shoots up taller like an India-rubber ball.” Here, the shadow’s rapid growth is compared to the bounce of an India-rubber ball. This comparison isn’t literal, but it effectively communicates the shadow’s unpredictable and exaggerated movements. While the poem doesn’t contain explicit metaphors, the entire concept of the shadow being a companion acts as an extended metaphorical representation of a child’s imaginary friend.
Personification: Giving Life to the Inanimate
Personification is the attribution of human qualities to non‑human entities. Throughout “My Shadow,” Stevenson treats the shadow as if it were a living being with its own personality. For example: “He has no notion of how children ought to play, and can only make a fool of me in every sort of way.” The shadow is given the ability to not understand and make a fool of someone – clearly human characteristics. This personification is crucial to the poem’s charm, allowing the child‑speaker to interact with the shadow as if it were a friend or playmate.
Alliteration: A Musical Quality
Alliteration is the repetition of consonant sounds at the beginning of words. While not overwhelmingly present, Stevenson uses alliteration subtly to enhance the poem’s musicality. Notice the repetition of the “s” sound in this line: “He stays so close beside me; he’s a coward you can see.” This subtle repetition creates a pleasing rhythm and adds to the poem’s overall auditory appeal.
Imagery: Appealing to the Senses
Imagery is the use of descriptive language to create vivid mental pictures. Stevenson’s poem is rich in visual imagery, allowing readers to easily imagine the scenes being described. Consider these lines: “I have a little shadow that goes in and out with me, and I see him jump before me when I jump into my bed.” These lines immediately conjure up a clear image of a child and their shadow interacting. The poem also evokes a sense of movement and playfulness through its descriptive language.
Stanza and Quatrain Structure
The poem is structured into four stanzas, and each stanza is a quatrain – meaning it contains four lines. This consistent structure provides a sense of order and rhythm to the poem, making it easy to read and remember. The quatrain form is a classic poetic structure, often used in children’s poetry for its simplicity and musicality.
Rhyme Scheme: A Melodic Pattern
“My Shadow” follows an AABB rhyme scheme. This means that the first and second lines of each stanza rhyme, as do the third and fourth. For example, in the first stanza: “me” and “see” rhyme; “head” and “bed” rhyme. This simple rhyme scheme contributes to the poem’s playful tone and makes it easy for young readers to follow. The use of end rhyme is especially effective in establishing a memorable musical cadence.
Meter and Rhythm
Stevenson’s lines maintain a steady rhythmic pulse that supports the poem’s conversational feel. While the meter is not strictly regular, the pacing allows the poem to flow naturally, mirroring the way a shadow moves alongside the child. The rhythmic consistency enhances the sense of companionship between the child and its shadow.
Quotes to be Used
These highlighted quotations illustrate the poem’s lyrical quality and its capacity to spark imaginative and critical engagement.
The funniest thing about him is the way he likes to grow,
Not at all like proper children, who are always very slow;
For he sometimes shoots up taller like an India-rubber ball,
And he sometimes gets so little that there’s none of him at all.
These lines emphasize the playful tone, the child’s imaginative perspective, and the poem’s lyrical rhythm, all of which provide an ideal entry point for students. Using these excerpts encourages readers to explore the poem’s themes of imagination, companionship, and the joyful relationship between a child and its shadow.