Once Upon a Time by Gabriel Okara – Complete Poem Explanation | Summary & Analysis

Once Upon a Time by Gabriel Okara – Complete Poem Explanation | Summary & Analysis

The Poem “Once Upon a Time” by Gabriel Okara

Complete Poem Analysis include - Paraphrasing (line by line and Stanza wise), Central Ideas, Summaries, Literary/Poetic devices, Questions, MCQs and vocabulary of difficult words

The poem “Once Upon a Time” by Gabriel Okara describes how people have become fake and insincere in modern society. The speaker tells his son that in the past, people were genuine and kind, but now they only show false smiles and selfish behavior. He regrets that he has also learned these artificial habits and lost his true self. In the end, he asks his son to teach him how to laugh and live naturally again, showing his desire to return to innocence and honesty. 


1. Original Readings (text) of the poem “Once Upon a Time” by Gabriel Okara:

Original Readings (text)

Once upon a time, son,
they used to laugh with their hearts 
and laugh with their eyes:
"but now they only laugh with their teeth, 
while their ice-block-cold eyes
search behind my shadow.

There was a time indeed
they used to shake hands with their hearts:
but that's gone, son.
Now they shake hands without hearts
while their left hands search
my empty pockets.

'Feel at home!' 'Come again':
they say, and when I come 
again and feel
at home, once, twice,
there will be no thrice-
for then I find doors shut on me.

So I have learned many things, son. 
I have learned to wear many faces 
like dresses - homeface,
officeface, streetface, hostface,
cocktailface, with all their conforming smiles 
like a fixed portrait smile.

And I have learned too
to laugh with only my teeth
and shake hands without my heart.
I have also learned to say, 'Goodbye',

when I mean 'Good-riddance': 
to say 'Glad to meet you',
without being glad; and to say 'It's been 
nice talking to you', after being bored.

But believe me, son.
I want to be what I used to be
when I was like you. I want
to unlearn all these muting things.
Most of all, I want to relearn
how to laugh, for my laugh in the mirror
shows only my teeth like a snake's bare fangs!

So show me, son,
how to laugh; show me how
I used to laugh and smile
once upon a time when I was like you

2. Line by line Paraphrasing of the poem “Once Upon a Time” by Gabriel Okara:

  1. 🔹 Stanza -1: Line-by-Line Paraphrasing (Student-friendly Explanation)

    1. Once upon a time, son,
       👉 The poet says that earlier, he is telling his son about the past.
    2. they used to laugh with their hearts
       👉 He says that people used to laugh with true feelings and sincerity.
    3. and laugh with their eyes:
       👉 He says their happiness was visible even in their eyes.
    4. but now they only laugh with their teeth,
       👉 He says that now people only show fake smiles without real emotions.
    5. while their ice-block-cold eyes
       👉 He says their eyes have become cold and emotionless.
    6. search behind my shadow.
       👉 He says people look at him with suspicion and hidden intentions.

    🔹 Stanza -2: Line-by-Line Paraphrasing (Student-friendly Explanation)

    1. There was a time indeed
       👉 The poet says that truly there was a time in the past,
    2. they used to shake hands with their hearts:
       👉 He says people greeted each other with genuine feelings.
    3. but that's gone, son.
       👉 He says that time has now disappeared.
    4. Now they shake hands without hearts
       👉 He says people now greet without sincerity.
    5. while their left hands search
       👉 He says secretly they look for something else.
    6. my empty pockets.
       👉 He says they are interested in personal gain, not relationships.

    🔹 Stanza -3: Line-by-Line Paraphrasing (Student-friendly Explanation)

    1. 'Feel at home!' 'Come again':
       👉 The poet says people use welcoming words politely.
    2. they say, and when I come
       👉 He says when he actually visits them,
    3. again and feel
       👉 He says when he feels comfortable again,
    4. at home, once, twice,
       👉 He says they welcome him only once or twice,
    5. there will be no thrice-
       👉 He says they do not welcome him again after that,
    6. for then I find doors shut on me.
       👉 He says they stop welcoming him and reject him.

    🔹 Stanza -4: Line-by-Line Paraphrasing (Student-friendly Explanation)

    1. So I have learned many things, son.
       👉 The poet says he has learned many lessons from life.
    2. I have learned to wear many faces
       👉 He says that he has learned to behave differently in different situations.
    3. like dresses - homeface,
       👉 He says he has different personality at home,
    4. officeface, streetface, hostface,
       👉 He changes his behaviour at the office, on the street, and as a host.
    5. cocktailface, with all their conforming smiles
       👉 He even has a special artificial smile for social gatherings.
    6. like a fixed portrait smile.
       👉 His smile has become fake and unchanging like a painted picture.

    🔹 Stanza -5: Line-by-Line Paraphrasing (Student-friendly Explanation)

    1. And I have learned too
       👉 The poet says he has also learned more habits,
    2. to laugh with only my teeth
       👉 He laughs without real emotions,
    3. and shake hands without my heart.
       👉 He greets people without sincerity,
    4. I have also learned to say, 'Goodbye',
       👉 He has learned to speak polite words even when he does not mean them.

    🔹 Stanza -6: Line-by-Line Paraphrasing (Student-friendly Explanation)

    1. when I mean 'Good-riddance':
       👉 The poet says he says goodbye even when he is happy someone leaves.
    2. to say 'Glad to meet you',
       👉 He pretends to be happy meeting others,
    3. without being glad; and to say 'It's been
       👉 He uses polite phrases without true feelings,
    4. nice talking to you', after being bored.
       👉 He pretends to enjoy conversations even when he is bored.

    🔹 Stanza -7: Line-by-Line Paraphrasing (Student-friendly Explanation)

    1. But believe me, son.
       👉 The poet says he is speaking honestly to his son,
    2. I want to be what I used to be
       👉 He wants to return to his original self,
    3. when I was like you. I want
      👉 He wants to be innocent like his son,
    4. to unlearn all these muting things.
       👉 He wants to forget all fake habits,
    5. Most of all, I want to relearn
       👉 He strongly wishes to learn something again,
    6. how to laugh, for my laugh in the mirror
       👉 He says his present laughter looks unnatural,
    7. shows only my teeth like a snake's bare fangs!
       👉 He says his smile looks frightening and fake like a snake.

    🔹 Stanza -8: Line-by-Line Paraphrasing (Student-friendly Explanation)

    1. So show me, son,
       👉 The poet requests his son to teach him,
    2. how to laugh; show me how
       👉 He asks him to teach real happiness,
    3. I used to laugh and smile
       👉 He says he wants to return to his past natural self,
    4. once upon a time when I was like you
       👉 He says he wants to be innocent and genuine like his son again.


3. Stanza-wise paraphrasing in a paragraph of the poem “Once Upon a Time” by Gabriel Okara:

Stanza 1: Stanza-wise Paraphrasing (Paragraph Style)

Original lines:
Once upon a time, son,
they used to laugh with their hearts
and laugh with their eyes:
but now they only laugh with their teeth,
while their ice-block-cold eyes
search behind my shadow.

Paraphrasing:

In this stanza, the poet tells his son that in the past, people were sincere and expressed true emotions through both their hearts and eyes. Their happiness was natural and genuine. However, in the present time, people have become artificial. They only show fake smiles without real feelings, and their eyes are cold and emotionless. Instead of trust, they look at others with suspicion and hidden intentions.

Vocabulary:

  • Sincere: Honest and genuine
  • Artificial: Fake or not real
  • Emotionless: Without feelings
  • Suspicion: Doubt or mistrust
  • Motive: Hidden intention

Q1. Rhyme Scheme: Free verse
Q2. Two Poetic Devices: Imagery, Contrast
Q3. Central Message: People have changed from being genuine to artificial.

Extra Questions:

Q4. What does “laugh with their eyes” mean?
👉 It means showing true happiness through expressions.

Q5. What do “cold eyes” suggest?
👉 They suggest lack of emotions and sincerity.

Q6. What change is shown?
👉 Change from honesty to hypocrisy.

Stanza 2: Stanza-wise Paraphrasing (Paragraph Style)

Original lines:
There was a time indeed
they used to shake hands with their hearts:
but that's gone, son.
Now they shake hands without hearts
while their left hands search
my empty pockets.

Paraphrasing:

In this stanza, the poet explains that earlier, people greeted each other warmly and sincerely. Handshakes were a symbol of true friendship. But now, such genuine behaviour has disappeared. People greet others without real feelings, and at the same time, they secretly look for personal benefits. This shows that relationships have become selfish and materialistic.

Vocabulary:

  • Genuine: Real and true
  • Gesture: Action showing feeling
  • Selfish: Thinking only about oneself
  • Materialistic: Focused on money
  • Benefit: Personal gain

Q1. Rhyme Scheme: Free verse
Q2. Two Poetic Devices: Symbolism, Irony
Q3. Central Message: Human relationships have become selfish and insincere.

Extra Questions:

Q4. What does handshake symbolize?
👉 It symbolizes greeting and friendship.

Q5. What are “empty pockets”?
👉 They represent lack of wealth or benefit.

Q6. What is criticized?
👉 Selfishness in relationships.

Stanza 3: Stanza-wise Paraphrasing (Paragraph Style)

Original lines:

'Feel at home!' 'Come again':
they say, and when I come
again and feel
at home, once, twice,
there will be no thrice-
for then I find doors shut on me.

Paraphrasing:

In this stanza, the poet highlights the false politeness of people. They use kind and welcoming words like “feel at home” and “come again,” but they do not truly mean them. When the poet visits them again, he is welcomed only once or twice. After that, he is rejected and no longer invited. This shows the hypocrisy and insincerity in social behaviour.

Vocabulary:

  • Hospitality: Welcoming behavior
  • Hypocrisy: Saying one thing, doing another
  • Polite: Showing good manners
  • Reject: Refuse or deny
  • Insincere: Not genuine

Q1. Rhyme Scheme: Free verse
Q2. Two Poetic Devices: Irony, Repetition
Q3. Central Message: Social manners are often fake and dishonest.

Extra Questions:

Q4. Why does the poet feel hurt?
👉 Because people are not sincere.

Q5. What do “closed doors” represent?
👉 Rejection and lack of acceptance.

Q6. What is being criticized?
👉 Fake hospitality.

Stanza 4: Stanza-wise Paraphrasing (Paragraph Style)

Original lines:

So I have learned many things, son.
I have learned to wear many faces
like dresses - homeface,
officeface, streetface, hostface,
cocktailface, with all their conforming smiles
like a fixed portrait smile.

Paraphrasing:

In this stanza, the poet admits that he has adapted to this fake society by changing his behavior according to different situations. He behaves differently at home, in the office, on the street, and at social gatherings. These different “faces” represent artificial identities. His smile has also become fixed and unnatural, like a painted portrait. This shows how he has lost his true personality.

Vocabulary:

  • Adapt: Adjust to situation
  • Conform: Follow others
  • Artificial: Not real
  • Identity: True self
  • Portrait: Painted picture

Q1. Rhyme Scheme: Free verse
Q2. Two Poetic Devices: Metaphor, Simile
Q3. Central Message: Society forces people to become artificial.

Extra Questions:

Q4. What are “many faces”?
👉 Different fake personalities.

Q5. Why does he change faces?
👉 To fit into society.

Q6. What is “portrait smile”?
👉 A fixed, fake smile.

Stanza 5: Stanza-wise Paraphrasing (Paragraph Style)

Original lines:

And I have learned too
to laugh with only my teeth
and shake hands without my heart.
I have also learned to say, 'Goodbye',

Paraphrasing:
In this stanza, the poet explains that he has now completely adapted to the artificial ways of society. He says that he laughs without real happiness and greets others without sincerity. His actions have become mechanical and emotionless. He also admits that he uses polite words like “Goodbye” even when they do not reflect his true feelings. This shows how deeply he has been influenced by fake social behaviour.

Vocabulary:

  • Adapted: Adjusted to a situation
  • Mechanical: Without real emotion
  • Sincerity: Honesty in feelings
  • Artificial: Not real
  • Expression: Way of showing feelings

Q1. Rhyme Scheme: Free verse
Q2. Two Poetic Devices: Irony, Repetition
Q3. Central Message: The poet has adopted fake behaviour to fit into society.

Extra Questions:

Q4. What does “laugh with only my teeth” mean?
👉 It means laughing without real emotions.

Q5. What does “shake hands without my heart” show?
👉 It shows lack of sincerity in relationships.

Q6. What has the poet learned?
👉 He has learned artificial social behavior.

Stanza 6: Stanza-wise Paraphrasing (Paragraph Style)

Original lines:

when I mean 'Good-riddance':
to say 'Glad to meet you',
without being glad; and to say 'It's been
nice talking to you', after being bored.

Paraphrasing:
In this stanza, the poet further explains how he has become completely insincere in his speech. He says that he uses polite expressions that do not match his real feelings. For example, he says “Goodbye” when he actually feels relief, and “Glad to meet you” without true happiness. Even when he is bored, he pretends to enjoy the conversation. This clearly shows the hypocrisy and artificial manners in modern social life.

Vocabulary:

  • Hypocrisy: Pretending to be what one is not
  • Insincere: Not genuine
  • Polite: Showing good manners
  • Bored: Feeling tired or uninterested
  • Pretend: To act falsely

Q1. Rhyme Scheme: Free verse
Q2. Two Poetic Devices: Irony, Contrast
Q3. Central Message: People hide their true feelings behind polite and fake expressions.

Extra Questions:

Q4. What does “Good-riddance” mean?
👉 It means feeling happy that someone has left.

Q5. Why does the poet pretend to be glad?
👉 To follow social expectations.

Q6. What is criticized in this stanza?
👉 Fake politeness and dishonesty.

Stanza 7: Stanza-wise Paraphrasing (Paragraph Style)

Original lines:

But believe me, son.
I want to be what I used to be
when I was like you. I want
to unlearn all these muting things.
Most of all, I want to relearn
how to laugh, for my laugh in the mirror
shows only my teeth like a snake's bare fangs!

Paraphrasing:

In this stanza, the poet expresses deep regret and desire to return to his original self. He wants to become innocent and natural again, like his son. He wishes to forget all the artificial habits he has learned. When he looks at himself in the mirror, his laughter appears fake and even frightening. This makes him realize how much he has changed and lost his true happiness.

Vocabulary:

  • Regret: Feeling sorry
  • Innocence: Purity
  • Unlearn: Forget learned habits
  • Genuine: Real
  • Frightening: Scary

Q1. Rhyme Scheme: Free verse
Q2. Two Poetic Devices: Simile, Imagery
Q3. Central Message: The poet regrets losing his true self.

Extra Questions:

Q4. Why compare smile to snake?
👉 To show it is fake and scary.

Q5. What does he want to unlearn?
👉 Fake social habits.

Q6. What is his feeling?
👉 Deep regret.

Stanza 8: Stanza-wise Paraphrasing (Paragraph Style)

Original lines:

So show me, son,
how to laugh; show me how
I used to laugh and smile
once upon a time when I was like you

Paraphrasing:

In this final stanza, the poet humbly asks his son to teach him how to laugh and smile genuinely again. The son represents innocence and purity. The poet wants to return to the time when he was natural, honest, and full of real emotions. This shows his strong desire to regain lost sincerity.

Vocabulary:

  • Innocence: Purity
  • Genuine: Real
  • Teach: Show how
  • Desire: Strong wish
  • Memory: Past experience

Q1. Rhyme Scheme: Free verse
Q2. Two Poetic Devices: Apostrophe, Symbolism
Q3. Central Message: Desire to return to innocence and sincerity.

Extra Questions:

Q4. Why does he ask his son?
👉 Because the son is pure and honest.

Q5. What does the son symbolize?
👉 Innocence and truth.

Q6. What is the final message?
👉 Value sincerity and real emotions.

4. Central Idea of the poem “Once Upon a Time” by Gabriel Okara:

🌟 Central Idea – 1

The central idea of the poem is the loss of sincerity and truth in modern human relationships. The poet shows how people in earlier times were genuine, honest, and emotionally open in their behavior. They used to laugh from the heart and show real kindness in their interactions. However, in today’s world, people have become artificial and selfish in nature. Their smiles are fake, and their relationships are based on personal gain. Even polite words and greetings have lost their true meaning. The poet himself admits that he has also adopted these fake manners to survive in society. He feels regret for losing his natural and innocent self. In the end, he expresses a strong desire to return to his original honest nature. He looks at his son as a symbol of purity and innocence. The poem highlights the contrast between the past and present. It teaches that modern life has made people emotionally distant. The poet’s main message is to value sincerity and human warmth before it is completely lost.

🌟 Central Idea – 2

The central idea of the poem “Once Upon a Time” by Gabriel Okara revolves around the gradual loss of sincerity, authenticity, and emotional depth in modern human relationships. The poet contrasts the innocence and honesty of the past with the artificiality and hypocrisy of the present age. He reflects on how people once expressed genuine emotions through heartfelt laughter and warm interactions, but now these expressions have become mechanical and deceptive. Social behavior is no longer guided by true feelings but by selfish motives, social expectations, and material gain. The poet acknowledges that he himself has been influenced by this environment and has adopted multiple “faces” to fit into different social situations, symbolizing the loss of a stable and authentic identity. This realization creates a deep sense of regret and inner conflict within him. He longs to unlearn these artificial habits and return to a simpler, more honest way of living. The son in the poem represents purity, innocence, and the possibility of renewal. Ultimately, the poem conveys a powerful message about the dehumanizing effects of modern society and emphasizes the need to rediscover sincerity, emotional truth, and genuine human connection.

🌟 Central Idea – Key Points (Exam Revision Notes)

  • Loss of sincerity in modern life
  • Contrast between past honesty and present artificiality
  • Human relationships become fake and selfish
  • Poet’s personal regret and self-realization
  • Desire to return to innocence and truth
  • Son symbolizes purity and honesty

    • 5. Summary of the poem “Once Upon a Time” by Gabriel Okara in a board exam-style way:

    ✨ Summary – 1

    The poem describes how human behaviour has changed from the past to the present. Earlier, people were sincere and expressed true emotions in their actions. They laughed honestly and greeted others with real warmth. But in modern times, everything has become artificial and fake. People now only pretend to be kind while hiding selfish motives. The poet explains that even smiles and greetings are no longer genuine. He also admits that he has learned to behave in the same fake way to survive in society. He changes his personality according to different situations. However, this makes him feel unhappy and disconnected from his true self. He regrets losing his natural innocence. He wants to return to the time when he was pure and honest like a child. In the end, he asks his son to teach him how to laugh and live truthfully again.

    ✨ Summary – 2

    The poem presents a reflective and emotional monologue in which the speaker addresses his son while describing the transformation of human behavior over time. He begins by recalling a past when people were sincere, expressing real emotions through their laughter and interactions. However, he contrasts this with the present world, where people have become artificial, displaying fake smiles and hiding selfish intentions behind polite words and gestures. The poet highlights how even simple acts like shaking hands and welcoming guests have lost their true meaning, becoming mere social formalities. As the poem progresses, the speaker admits that he too has adapted to this insincere world by developing multiple social identities or “faces” to suit different situations. This adaptation, however, leads to a loss of his original self and creates a feeling of emptiness and dissatisfaction. He becomes aware that his laughter and expressions are no longer genuine, symbolizing his complete transformation into an artificial being. Filled with regret, he expresses a strong desire to return to his former innocence and authenticity. In the final lines, he turns to his son, who represents purity and truth, and asks him to teach him how to laugh and smile naturally again. The poem ultimately serves as a critique of modern society and a plea for the restoration of genuine human values.

    🌟 Summary – Key Points (Exam Revision Notes)

  • People were once sincere and emotional
  • Now relationships are artificial and self-centered
  • Fake smiles and greetings dominate society
  • Poet admits he also behaves falsely
  • Uses different “faces” in different situations
  • Feels regret and emotional emptiness
  • Wants to regain natural innocence
  • Son represents true human values

      • 6. a. Literary / Poetic Devices (for teacher / understanding) Used in the “Once Upon a Time” by Gabriel Okara:

      Poetic Devices (Teacher-Friendly)

      1. Imagery

      Definition: Descriptive language that creates vivid pictures in the reader’s mind.
      Example: “laugh with their hearts” and “ice-block-cold eyes”
      Effect: Helps readers clearly visualize the contrast between genuine emotions and cold, fake behavior.

      2. Metaphor

      Definition: A direct comparison between two unlike things without using “like” or “as.”
      Example: “I have learned to wear many faces”
      Effect: Shows how people adopt different fake personalities in different situations.

      3. Simile

      Definition: A comparison using “like” or “as.”
      Example: “like dresses” and “like a snake’s bare fangs”
      Effect: Highlights artificial behavior and shows how the poet’s smile has become frightening and unnatural.

      4. Contrast

      Definition: A device that shows differences between two ideas.
      Example: Past (sincere laughter) vs present (fake smiles)
      Effect: Emphasizes the change from honesty to hypocrisy in society.

      5. Irony

      Definition: A contrast between what is said and what is actually meant.
      Example: “Feel at home!” and “Glad to meet you”
      Effect: Shows that people’s words are polite but not sincere.

      6. Symbolism

      Definition: Use of symbols to represent deeper meanings.
      Example: “Faces” represent fake identities
      Effect: Shows how people hide their true selves behind artificial behavior.

      7. Repetition

      Definition: Repeating words or phrases for emphasis.
      Example: Repetition of “laugh” and “shake hands”
      Effect: Emphasizes the change in human emotions and behavior.

      8. Personification

      Definition: Giving human qualities to non-human things.
      Example: “eyes… search behind my shadow”
      Effect: Shows suspicion and hidden intentions in people’s behavior.

      9. Alliteration

      Definition: Repetition of consonant sounds at the beginning of words.
      Example: “shake hands without heart”
      Effect: Creates rhythm and makes the line more memorable.

      10. Hyperbole

      Definition: Exaggeration used for emphasis.
      Example: “ice-block-cold eyes”
      Effect: Emphasizes the extreme lack of emotion in modern people.

      11. Juxtaposition

      Definition: Placing two opposite ideas side by side.
      Example: Innocent past vs artificial present
      Effect: Highlights the dramatic change in society.

      12. Tone

      Definition: The poet’s attitude or feeling in the poem.
      Example: Regretful and nostalgic tone throughout the poem
      Effect: Shows the poet’s sadness and desire to return to innocence.

      b. Poetic devices for Student only to attempt in the board exam: 

      Poetic Devices (Student-Friendly)

      1️⃣ Repetition:
      The phrase “Very far away is my village” is repeated in different stanzas. Helps emphasize distance, longing, and the poet’s deep emotional attachment to his village.

      2️⃣ Imagery:
      The poet uses descriptions like “fire beetles… thick leafage of peepul trees”. Helps readers clearly imagine the natural beauty and peaceful village life.

      3️⃣ Symbolism:
      “Fire beetles” symbolize childhood memories and innocence. Helps show how the poet’s past is still bright and alive in his mind.

      4️⃣ Simile:
      “like a rapier tucked into the breast of silence” compares silence to a sharp sword. Helps show that silence is painful and emotionally deep.

      5️⃣ Metaphor:
      “lagoon of the dark night” compares night to a deep lagoon. Helps create a strong image of deep, surrounding darkness.

      6️⃣ Personification:
      “staircase… breathing its last” gives human qualities to the staircase. Helps show decay, aging, and passage of time.

      7️⃣ Onomatopoeia:
      “tick-tacking sound” imitates the sound of the flour mill. Helps create realism and makes the scene more lively.

      8️⃣ Alliteration:
      “fading far, far away” repeats the ‘f’ sound. Helps create musical rhythm and smooth flow.

      9️⃣ Assonance:
      “far away” repeats the vowel sound ‘a’. Helps create a soft, musical effect in the poem.

      🔟 Contrast:
      The poet shows past (happy childhood) vs present (silent, abandoned village). Helps highlight change, loss, and emotional depth.

      1️⃣1️⃣ Tone:
      The poem has a nostalgic and melancholic tone. Helps express love for the past mixed with sadness of distance.

      1️⃣2️⃣ Enjambment:
      Many lines continue without pause, like in flowing descriptions. Helps maintain natural flow of thoughts and emotions.

      7. Short-Answer Questions of the poem “Once Upon a Time” by Gabriel Okara:

      Q1. What is the main theme of the poem “Once Upon a Time” by Gabriel Okara?

      👉 The main theme is the loss of sincerity and rise of artificial behavior in modern society. The poet shows how people have become fake in their emotions and relationships.

      Q2. Why does the poet feel disappointed with modern people according to the poem “Once Upon a Time” by Gabriel Okara?

      👉 Because people no longer show true emotions. They only pretend to be kind and sincere for personal gain.

      Q3. What does “laugh with their hearts” in the poem “Once Upon a Time” by Gabriel Okara mean?

      👉 It means laughing genuinely with true feelings and natural happiness, not fake emotions.

      Q4. What do “ice-block-cold eyes” in the poem “Once Upon a Time” by Gabriel Okara symbolize?

      👉 They symbolize emotionless, suspicious, and unfriendly human behavior in modern society.

      Q5. Why does the poet mention “many faces” in the poem “Once Upon a Time” by Gabriel Okara?

      👉 It shows that people behave differently in different situations, hiding their true identity.

      Q6. What does the poet regret according to the poem “Once Upon a Time” by Gabriel Okara?

      👉 He regrets losing his natural innocence and becoming artificial like others in society.

      Q7. What role does the son play in the poem “Once Upon a Time” by Gabriel Okara?

      👉 The son represents innocence, purity, and truthfulness, which the poet has lost.

      Q8. Why are greetings like “feel at home” ironic?

      👉 Because people say them politely but do not truly mean them.

      Q9. What does the poet want to relearn according to the poem “Once Upon a Time” by Gabriel Okara?

      👉 He wants to relearn how to laugh sincerely and behave naturally.

      Q10. What does the poem “Once Upon a Time” by Gabriel Okara criticize?

      👉 It criticizes hypocrisy and artificial behavior in modern human relationships.

      Q11. Why does the poet compare smile to a snake accoding to the poem “Once Upon a Time” by Gabriel Okara?

      👉 To show that his fake smile looks dangerous and unnatural.

      Q12. What change has society undergone according to the poem “Once Upon a Time” by Gabriel Okara?

      👉 Society has changed from honesty and warmth to selfishness and artificial behavior.

      Q13. What does “empty pockets” in the poem “Once Upon a Time” by Gabriel Okara symbolize?

      👉 It symbolizes lack of material benefit, showing people’s selfish intentions.

      Q14. Why does the poet feel emotionally lost according to the poem “Once Upon a Time” by Gabriel Okara?

      👉 Because he has lost his true identity and now behaves artificially.

      Q15. What is the tone of the poem “Once Upon a Time” by Gabriel Okara?

      👉 The tone is sad, reflective, and regretful.

      8. Long-Answer Questions (LAQs) of the poem “Once Upon a Time” by Gabriel Okara:

      Q1. Describe the theme of hypocrisy in the poem “Once Upon a Time” by Gabriel Okara.

      👉 The poem strongly presents hypocrisy in modern society. People pretend to be kind and sincere but hide selfish motives. The poet shows how greetings and smiles have become artificial. Even friendly words like “come again” are not genuine. The poet himself admits that he has learned to behave falsely. He uses different “faces” in different situations. This shows how society forces people to be fake. True emotions are replaced with polite lies. The poet feels deeply sad about this change. He regrets losing honesty in human relationships. The poem highlights the gap between appearance and reality. It teaches the importance of sincerity and truth.

      Q2. How does the poet show the difference between past and present  according to the poem “Once Upon a Time” by Gabriel Okara?

      👉 The poet contrasts the past with the present throughout the poem. In the past, people laughed sincerely and showed true emotions. Their relationships were honest and full of warmth. In the present, everything has become artificial and fake. People only pretend to care for others. Even smiles and greetings are not genuine anymore. The poet uses strong images like “ice-block-cold eyes” to show present behaviour. He remembers the past with nostalgia and sadness. He admits that he too has changed. The contrast shows emotional decline in society. The poem highlights loss of innocence over time.

      Q3. Explain the poet’s feeling of regret and self-realization according to the poem “Once Upon a Time” by Gabriel Okara.

      👉 The poet feels deep regret for losing his natural self. He realizes that he has become artificial like others. He no longer laughs or greets sincerely. Instead, he behaves according to social expectations. This realization makes him unhappy and self-aware. He understands that he has adopted fake habits. He compares his smile to a snake’s fangs, showing emotional pain. He wants to return to his innocent childhood state. His son becomes a symbol of truth and purity. The poet wishes to unlearn false behaviour. This shows strong self-reflection and emotional depth.

      Q4. What is the role of the son in the poem “Once Upon a Time” by Gabriel Okara?

      👉 The son plays an important symbolic role in the poem. He represents innocence, honesty, and purity. Unlike adults, he has not yet learned fake social behaviour. The poet sees him as a model of true human nature. He asks his son to teach him how to laugh sincerely. This shows the poet’s desire to return to innocence. The son becomes a guide for emotional truth. He reflects what the poet has lost. Through him, the poet expresses hope for change. The relationship shows emotional longing. It highlights the value of childhood purity.

      Q5. How does the poet describe modern social behaviour according to the poem “Once Upon a Time” by Gabriel Okara?

      👉 The poet describes modern society as fake and artificial. People wear “faces” to hide their true emotions. Their smiles are mechanical and insincere. Even greetings are used for selfish purposes. People behave differently in different situations. The poet himself admits he has learned this behavior. He feels emotionally disconnected from others. Society values appearance more than truth. Real feelings are replaced with polite lies. This creates emotional emptiness. The poem criticizes this social transformation.

      Q6. Explain the significance of “faces” in the poem “Once Upon a Time” by Gabriel Okara.

      👉 “Faces” symbolize fake identities people use in society. Each face represents a different role or behavior. People act differently at home, office, and social gatherings. These faces hide their true emotions. The poet shows that society forces people to be artificial. Even smiles become part of these fake faces. The poet feels trapped in these roles. He no longer knows his real identity. This creates emotional confusion and regret. The idea shows loss of individuality. It reflects modern social pressure.

      Q7. What is the central message of the poem “Once Upon a Time” by Gabriel Okara?

      👉 The central message is that modern society has lost sincerity and truth. People have become artificial in their emotions and relationships. The poet shows how honesty has been replaced by hypocrisy. He regrets becoming part of this fake world. The poem highlights emotional emptiness in human life. It shows contrast between childhood innocence and adult artificiality. The poet wishes to return to his true self. His son symbolizes hope and purity. The poem encourages honesty and genuine behavior. It warns against losing natural human values.

      9. MCQs of the poem “Once Upon a Time” by Gabriel Okara:

      MCQ No. 1

      What is the main theme of the poem “Once Upon a Time” by Gabriel Okara?
      a) Nature
      b) War
      c) Loss of sincerity
      d) Technology
      Correct answer: c
      Explanation: The poem focuses on how people have become fake and insincere, losing their genuine emotions over time.

      MCQ No. 2

      Who is the poet of “Once Upon a Time”?
      a) T.S. Eliot
      b) Gabriel Okara
      c) Robert Frost
      d) William Wordsworth
      Correct answer: b
      Explanation: Gabriel Okara is the Nigerian poet who wrote this poem about social hypocrisy.

      MCQ No. 3

      What do “faces” represent in the poem “Once Upon a Time” by Gabriel Okara?
      a) Masks
      b) Fake personalities
      c) Expressions
      d) Emotions
      Correct answer: b
      Explanation: “Faces” symbolize the different artificial roles people play in society.

      MCQ No. 4

      What do “ice-block-cold eyes” symbolize?
      a) Happiness
      b) Anger
      c) Cold and emotionless behavior
      d) Love
      Correct answer: c
      Explanation: This phrase shows that people have become emotionally cold and lack genuine feelings.

      MCQ No. 5

      What does the poet want to relearn?
      a) Speaking
      b) Writing
      c) Laughing sincerely
      d) Reading
      Correct answer: c
      Explanation: The poet wishes to regain his natural, innocent way of laughing from childhood.

      MCQ No. 6

      The poem “Once Upon a Time” by Gabriel Okara is written in:
      a) Sonnet
      b) Ballad
      c) Free verse
      d) Ode
      Correct answer: c
      Explanation: The poem does not follow a fixed rhyme scheme or structure, which makes it free verse.

      MCQ No. 7

      The son represents:
      a) Power
      b) Wealth
      c) Innocence
      d) Knowledge
      Correct answer: c
      Explanation: The son symbolizes purity and honesty, which the poet has lost.

      MCQ No. 8

      What is the tone of the poem “Once Upon a Time” by Gabriel Okara?
      a) Humorous
      b) Angry
      c) Regretful
      d) Joyful
      Correct answer: c
      Explanation: The poet expresses regret for losing his true self and becoming artificial.

      MCQ No. 9

      What does “shake hands without heart” mean?
      a) Friendship
      b) Fake behavior
      c) Respect
      d) Love
      Correct answer: b
      Explanation: It shows that people greet each other without genuine feelings or sincerity.

      MCQ No. 10

      The poet compares his smile to:
      a) Flower
      b) River
      c) Snake
      d) Bird
      Correct answer: c
      Explanation: The comparison to a snake’s fangs shows that his smile has become unnatural and frightening.

      MCQ No. 11

      The poem “Once Upon a Time” by Gabriel Okara mainly criticizes:
      a) Nature
      b) War
      c) Hypocrisy
      d) Education
      Correct answer: c
      Explanation: The poet criticizes how people pretend and behave falsely in society.

      MCQ No. 12

      What do “empty pockets” represent?
      a) Wealth
      b) Poverty
      c) Lack of personal gain
      d) Happiness
      Correct answer: c
      Explanation: It shows that people are only interested in others when they expect some benefit.

      MCQ No. 13

      The poem “Once Upon a Time” by Gabriel Okara shows contrast between:
      a) Day and night
      b) Past and present
      c) Life and death
      d) Rich and poor
      Correct answer: b
      Explanation: The poet contrasts the honest past with the fake present society.

      MCQ No. 14

      The poet wants to return to:
      a) City life
      b) Office life
      c) Childhood innocence
      d) Social life
      Correct answer: c
      Explanation: He wants to regain his innocent and natural behavior from childhood.

      MCQ No. 15

      What does the poem “Once Upon a Time” by Gabriel Okara mainly reflect?
      a) Nature
      b) Technology
      c) Human behaviour
      d) History
      Correct answer: c
      Explanation: The poem focuses on how human behaviour has changed from sincere to artificial.


      10. Vocabulary of Difficult Words used in the poem “Once Upon a Time” by Gabriel Okara:

      1. Sincerity

      Meaning: Honesty in feelings
      Synonym: Truthfulness
      Antonym: Hypocrisy
      Example: He spoke with sincerity.

      2. Artificial

      Meaning: Not real or natural
      Synonym: Fake
      Antonym: Natural
      Example: His smile was artificial.

      3. Hypocrisy

      Meaning: Pretending to be what one is not
      Synonym: Deceit
      Antonym: Honesty
      Example: Hypocrisy destroys trust.

      4. Regret

      Meaning: Feeling sorry
      Synonym: Remorse
      Antonym: Satisfaction
      Example: He felt regret for his actions.

      5. Innocence

      Meaning: Purity of mind
      Synonym: Purity
      Antonym: Corruption
      Example: Childhood is full of innocence.

      6. Suspicion

      Meaning: Doubt about someone
      Synonym: Distrust
      Antonym: Trust
      Example: He looked at me with suspicion.

      7. Gesture

      Meaning: Movement showing feeling
      Synonym: Action
      Antonym: Silence
      Example: A handshake is a friendly gesture.

      8. Conform

      Meaning: To follow rules or society
      Synonym: Adapt
      Antonym: Rebel
      Example: People conform to society.

      9. Emotionless

      Meaning: Without feelings
      Synonym: Cold
      Antonym: Emotional
      Example: His face was emotionless.

      10. Reflection

      Meaning: Deep thinking
      Synonym: Thought
      Antonym: Carelessness
      Example: The poem shows reflection.

      11. Genuine

      Meaning: Real and true
      Synonym: Authentic
      Antonym: Fake
      Example: She gave a genuine smile.

      12. Mask

      Meaning: Hidden identity
      Synonym: Cover
      Antonym: Reality
      Example: He wears a social mask.

      13. Pretend

      Meaning: To act falsely
      Synonym: Fake
      Antonym: Be real
      Example: Don’t pretend to be happy.

      14. Regain

      Meaning: To get back
      Synonym: Recover
      Antonym: Lose
      Example: He wants to regain happiness.

      15. Nostalgia

      Meaning: Sad memory of past
      Synonym: Reminiscence
      Antonym: Forgetfulness
      Example: He feels nostalgia for childhood.

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