Paraphrase of the poem

Stanza 1

The persona is very proud of his father who he feels is as brave as any other father or even braver. In
his eyes, his father is Number One as his father is fearless and not afraid of the dead of night and
anything unddr the sun.

Stanza 2

The persona says his father is not afraid to watch horror movies late in the night. Horror scenes of
skeletons do not scare him or put him off watching them.

Stanza 3

The persona is positive his father is not afraid of ghosts and would even smile and acknowledge
them. His father dares to fight agains things that most other dads are afraid of.

Stanza 4

The persona's father will not be intimidates by horror figures like vampires, wolf-man or
Frankeistein's monster even if they appear at the door.

Stanza 5

The persona says his father is as brave as a father can be and he's always keen to show it. But when
his father sees a spider, he will not touch it and mother has to come to his aid. This is something the
persona cannot understand about his brave father. is he really afraid of a mere spider ?

Synopsis

The persona feels his father is very brave and is not afraid of any time of the day and anything in the
world. He rates his father who watches horror movies late at night is not put off by any horror
scenes or fearful skeletons. If any ghost appears in front of his father , he will either greet them of
fight them off. Horror figures, big or small, ugly or scary looking do not give him the creeps even if
they appear at his door. However, the persona's father or his hero has a weakness - He has a fear of
spider.

Themes

1. Respecting and looking up to someone

2. Hero workship

3. Parent-child relationship

4. Accepting people for what they are

5. Everyone has flaws or weakness

6. Believe in one's skills and strengths

7. Living up to people's expectations

Moral Values

1. Recognise and acknowledge other people's strengths

2. Not be afraid to acknowledge our weakness.

3. Value family relationships.

4. Must set good examples.

5. Try to live up to young children's expectations.

6. Able to seperate the reality from make-believe.

7. Willing to help those in trouble