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My Shadow by Robert Louis Stevenson — Full Cheat Sheet & Summary

📘 1. Poem Overview

  • Title: My Shadow

  • Poet: Robert Louis Stevenson

  • Published: 1885 in A Child’s Garden of Verses

  • Style: Rhymed, playful, child’s perspective

  • Tone: Curious, fun, a little confused

  • Theme: Innocence, imagination, identity, childhood

This poem is about a child observing their own shadow and how it follows, copies, and acts strange sometimes. It's a fun and simple poem—but it’s also about self-awareness and how kids learn about the world.

✏️ 2. Summary (Simple English)

The speaker is a child who notices their shadow always sticking close. They find it weird that the shadow copies everything they do, but also acts in funny ways—like growing tall, shrinking small, or not showing up at all in the morning light.

It’s cute, light-hearted, and full of childlike curiosity. 🌞🧒

🎯 3. Main Themes

👶 a. Childhood Imagination

The poem shows how kids turn ordinary things—like a shadow—into mysteries and adventures.

👤 b. Identity & Self

The shadow is a kind of double—always there, always copying. It’s the first time the child starts thinking about themselves in a deeper way.

🌞 c. Nature & Light

The shadow changes with the sun, time of day, and light. It shows how nature connects to daily life.

🧠 4. Full Poem Structure

  • 4 stanzas

  • Rhymed couplets (AABB)

  • Simple rhythm, easy to read aloud

  • Made for kids, but meaningful to all

🔍 5. Literary Devices

Device Example Effect
Personification Shadow "jumps," "goes to bed" Makes the shadow feel alive, playful
Imagery “He stays so close beside me” Helps readers picture the close bond
Rhyme & Rhythm AABB pattern Gives the poem a musical, nursery rhyme feel
First-person “I” and “me” throughout Makes it personal and relatable for kids
Contrast Shadow acts strange (big/small/disappears) Creates mystery and fun

🗣️ 6. Notable Lines

“I have a little shadow that goes in and out with me”
➡️ Shows how the shadow is always around, like a loyal friend

“He is very very like me from the heels up to the head”
➡️ Describes the copying nature of the shadow — identity

“The funniest thing about him is the way he likes to grow—
Not at all like proper children, which is always very slow.”
➡️ Brings humor — the shadow grows too fast, unlike kids!

📚 7. Tone & Mood

  • Tone: Light, playful, curious

  • Mood: Happy, imaginative, a bit mysterious
    Perfect for a child learning about the world 🌍

🧩 8. Sample Questions

a. Comprehension

  • Who is the speaker talking about?

  • Why does the speaker find the shadow strange?

b. Analysis

  • How does the poet use rhyme and rhythm?

  • What’s the effect of giving the shadow human traits?

c. Discussion

  • What does the poem say about growing up?

  • How do children see the world differently from adults?

🎓 9. Why It Matters

This poem is:

  • A great example of childhood poetry

  • Easy to relate to for any young reader

  • A way to teach poetic form (rhyme, rhythm, personification)

Even though it's playful, it hints at deeper questions about self and growth.

🌟 Final Message

“Even your shadow has stories to tell—if you take the time to watch it.”

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