Hello for this poem for this question which one is correct:

"The child is father of the man." What does this mean?
The best fathers are immature.
If one can't be a father he can never have a child.
Our attitudes and beliefs as children stay with us throughout life.
Fathers never should grow old.
Fathers should never abandon childish play

I think the answer is fathers should never abandon childish play, but need to check to see if I am right. Thanks

I would agree with your answer.

IT seems to me that the child is father to the man means the father is the sum of experiences he acquired as a child.

I agree with Bobpursley.

=)

Our attitudes and beliefs as children stay with us throughout life.

I agree totally...I can still hear my grandmother in my head when I do something. <G>

To arrive at the correct answer, it is important to understand the meaning of the phrase "The child is father of the man." This line is from the poem "My Heart Leaps Up" by William Wordsworth. It suggests that the qualities and characteristics we possess as children shape and influence us as adults.

Now, let's analyze the given options:

1. The best fathers are immature.
This option does not directly relate to the meaning of the poem. It is not about the qualities of a father, but rather about the influence of childhood experiences on an individual.

2. If one can't be a father, he can never have a child.
This option is unrelated to the meaning of the poem. It focuses on the ability to be a father, rather than the influence of childhood experiences on an individual.

3. Our attitudes and beliefs as children stay with us throughout life.
This option aligns with the meaning of the poem. It reflects the idea that the experiences and perspectives we gain as children shape who we become as adults. This is the correct answer.

4. Fathers never should grow old.
This option does not directly relate to the meaning of the poem. It focuses on the concept of aging rather than the influence of childhood experiences.

5. Fathers should never abandon childish play.
This option relates to the idea that fathers should maintain a sense of playfulness and innocence throughout their lives. While it is a valid sentiment, it does not capture the intended meaning of the poem.

In conclusion, the correct answer to the question "What does 'The child is father of the man' mean?" is "Our attitudes and beliefs as children stay with us throughout life." This option encapsulates the idea that the experiences and perspectives we have as children shape who we become as adults.