Where go the boats? - Std 5 - Unit 5 - Personal Responses - 2

WHERE GO THE BOATS?

Where go the boats? by Robert Louis Stevenson is a gentle, imaginative poem that describes a river’s journey and floating boats. It reflects themes of nature, exploration, and curiosity, as the speaker wonders where the boats will end up and who will find them. The poem emphasizes the beauty of rivers and the continuous flow of life.

1. What emotions do you associate with the boats drifting away?
Response - I feel a mix of sadness and hope—letting go can be hard, but it opens up new possibilities.

2. If you could send a message with one of the boats, what would it be?
Response - I’d write, 'Enjoy the journey, wherever it takes you.

3. Do you think the poem reflects the passage of childhood?
Response - Yes, it feels like a metaphor for growing up—letting go of childhood dreams and trusting they’ll find new meaning.

4. What does the image of ‘castles of foam’ mean to you?
Response - It makes me think of temporary joys—things that are beautiful but fleeting, like childhood moments.

5. How would you connect this poem to your own life experiences?
Response - It reminds me of times when I had to let go of something important, trusting it would find its way.

6. What do you think the poet wants readers to take away from the poem?
Response - I think he wants us to appreciate the beauty in uncertainty and the natural flow of life.

7. Do you think the speaker feels happy or sad watching the boats drift away?
Response - I think it’s a bittersweet feeling—there’s sadness in letting go but also joy in imagining where they’ll go.

8. If you were to illustrate this poem, what would you draw?
Response - I’d draw a peaceful river with tiny paper boats drifting under a sunset sky, surrounded by trees.

9. How do you feel about the idea of someone else finding your boats?
Response - It’s a comforting thought, knowing that what you leave behind might bring joy to someone else.

10. What do you think makes this poem memorable?
Response - Its simplicity and gentle rhythm make it easy to remember, while the imagery leaves a lasting impact.

11. What does this poem teach about letting go?
Response - It suggests that letting go is natural and necessary—things need to flow freely, just like the river.