Question

How did Think-Tank interpret the following nursery rhyme?
“How does your garden grow with cockle shells and silver bells?”
(The Book that Saved the Earth)

Hint:

The play uses satire to show how overthinking can lead to absurd conclusions, as seen in Think-Tank’s misinterpretation.

Answer 1

In the play “The Book that Saved the Earth”, Think-Tank misinterprets the nursery rhyme as a sign of human intelligence and technological advancement. He believes the line “How does your garden grow” refers to the humans’ ability to grow crops in a scientific manner. The words “cockle shells and silver bells” are interpreted as advanced weapons or machinery used for cultivating crops. Think-Tank’s over-analysis of the simple nursery rhyme reflects the play’s humor and satire on misunderstandings.