The poem is about a history teacher who lies to his students about the true realities of past events in history.
Innocence is the main theme being conveyed throughout the poem. It is clear that the teacher is “trying to protect his students’ innocence” by lying to them about the true and harsh realities of what life can bring. In his eyes, he is doing them a kindness that was perhaps never offered to him. Indeed, the suggestion is that young people do not need the burden of the truth. In this way, the teacher patronizes the intelligence of his so called “smart” students, as he does not offer them the respect of knowing their own minds.
Moreover, Collins highlights the damage lying can cause and how the truth always prevails. Instead of becoming kind and pleasant children, his students are bullies. Not only has his attempt at shielding them from the pain of the world failed, but he has also made them worse than they would have been had he taught them to be honest.
