Question

What according to the poem is involved in the process of growing up?

Answer 1

According to the poem, the process of growing up involves the attainment of mental maturity. A person is said to be grown up when he has become logical, rational, and is able to build his own thoughts. A grown-up has the power to distinguish between reality and fantasy.

A grown-up individual understands the actions of others just as the poet recognises the hiatus between the preaching and the practice of the adults. He realises the hypocrisy and the double standards maintained by the adults. A mature individual also asserts his thoughts and opinions. The poet realises that he himself is the master of his mind and can form thoughts and opinions of his own.