Exploring the Themes of Shel Silverstein's 'Whatif'

What does the narrator fear might happen at school?

• Being praised by teachers

• Finding a new friend

• Being considered unintelligent

• Winning a school competition

Tags

CCSS.RL.1.9

CCSS.RL.2.6

CCSS.RL.3.6

CCSS.RL.4.3

CCSS.RL.5.3

What is one of the physical changes the narrator worries about?

• Getting a haircut

• Green hair growing on his chest

• Losing a tooth

• Breaking an arm

Tags

CCSS.RL.1.9

CCSS.RL.2.6

CCSS.RL.3.6

CCSS.RL.4.3

CCSS.RL.5.3

What social fear does the narrator express?

• Being disliked by everyone

• Moving to a new city

• Being extremely popular

• Winning a social award

Tags

CCSS.RL.2.6

CCSS.RL.8.3

What existential concern does the narrator have?

• Living a long life

• Winning a lottery

• Never having any worries

• Being struck by lightning

Tags

CCSS.RL.2.4

CCSS.RL.3.4

CCSS.RL.3.5

CCSS.RL.4.5

CCSS.RL.5.5

What repeats itself at night according to the narrator?

• A peaceful sleep

• A celebration

• The sound of music

• Nighttime worries

Tags

CCSS.RL.1.4

CCSS.RL.3.4

CCSS.RL.3.5

CCSS.RL.5.4

CCSS.RL.5.5