The Idiot Boy

In Wordsworth's, The Idiot Boy, the reader is left in great suspense throughout poem. When Johnny does not return with the doctor, and neither the doctor nor his mother can find him, the reader must wonder if the mother's friend will be able to make it as time is running out. The disappearance of Johnny also has the audience wondering. Though the "idiot boy" was not the best candidate for the task to find the doctor, one must believe that is mother had enough faith in him to send him on that journey. This led me to wonder: What could the "idiot boy" possibly be doing or have been distracted by from such an important task? As the story progresses, we learn that the mother finds the pony and her son captivated by a waterfall. Though Johnny had never returned with the doctor, his mother is ecstatic to be reunited with him and says, "Oh! Johnny, never mind the Doctor;/ You've done your best, and that is all" (406-407). There are two things in this poem that at first surprised me, but made more sense when I finished. The first is that Johnny was mesmerized by something so simple relative to the present situation. The waterfall and the surrounding atmosphere seem so simple, but, as we have learned throughout this class, can have powerful effects on the mind and spirit (in this case, no matter who's mind they are affecting). The second is that the mother was so pleased with her son's effort, regardless of the end result. Though I'm sure she would've liked to seen her son succeed in returning with the doctor, she was proud of his efforts being mentally challenged. I also believe this was due to the mother being so caught up in the moment of finding her son after many hours.

Anyone who has participated in or witnessed the Special Olympics can relate to this story. Though, relative to the majority of professional sports, the end result may not always be an amazing accomplishment, the effort and heart put in by the athletes is truly inspiring.

I have included an inspiring YouTube video. In the video, the narrator states, "because there is not effort without error and shortcomings".

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hHdEadYY8rE

Side note: Though a lot longer than the previous poem, Kubla Khan, I found this poem a much easier read. As I read, I found myself asking more questions to myself and making more connections to the subjects discussed in class. I'm glad I realized this evidence that my knowledge and skills have improved since the beginning of the semester.