"Childhood" is an autobiographical novel by Leo Tolstoy, recounting his early years. It provides a vivid portrayal of Russian society in the early 19th century and delves into Tolstoy's personal experiences, including his relationships with his family, peers, and servants. The novel captures the innocence, wonder, and challenges of childhood, as well as the complexities of familial and social dynamics. Through his introspective narrative, Tolstoy explores themes such as identity, morality, and the formation of character amidst the backdrop of a rapidly changing society.

2. In this poem the poet is in a
dilemma as to where his
childhood has disappeared.
He is not sure ,at what stage
he should make the demarcation.

3.  In this poem, the poet, Markus
Natten wonders when and where he
lost his childhood. In this quest to
find the moment he grew up, Markus
highlights the innocence and faith he
lost even as he gained rational
individuality.
 Adolescence is usually a confusing time
for a child who is unable to
immediately come to terms with the
physical, hormonal and psychological

4. When did my childhood go?
Was it the day I ceased to
be eleven.
Was it the time I realised
that Hell and Heaven,
Could not be found in
Geography,
And therefore could not be,
Was that the day!
 The poet wonders when he
lost his childhood. He muses
that perhaps it was the day
he realised that the concepts
of Heaven and Hell .
Geography textbooks did not
give the location of any such
place.The poet realises that
he might have lost his
childhood when he gained
this rational outlook.

5. POEM
When did my childhood
go?
Was it the time I realised
that adults were not
All they seemed to be,
They talked of love and
preached of love,
But did not act so
lovingly,
Was that the day!
PARAPHRASE
 The poet recalls the time when
he realised that the adults
around him did not practice
what they preached. They told
the poet to be loving and
caring, however, they were
themselves argumentative,
violent and discourteous.
Their behaviour was a far cry
from the love they sermonised
about and advocated so
reverently to the child.

6. POEM
When did my childhood go?
Was it when I found my
mind was really mine,
To use whichever way I
choose,
Producing thoughts that
were not those of other
people
But my own and mine alone
Was that the day!
PARAPHRASE
 As he grew up, the poet
realised that his mind was
unique, could form its own
opinions and could take its
own decisions. His own
experiences shaped his
thoughts now and he
realised that this might
have been the time he lost
his childhood innocence
completely.

7. POEM
Where did my
childhood go?
It went to some
forgotten place,
That is hidden in
an infant’s face,
That’s all I know.
PARAPHRASE
 The poet is eager to know
when he lost his childhood.
He makes a guess. Perhaps
his childhood has gone to a
place which has been
forgotten. All that he
remembers is that perhaps his
childhood is lying hidden in
the face of an infant.