In addition to all the earlier answers to your question, I submit that there's no such thing as a stupid question [about perl] where it's obvious that, despite best efforts, something doesn't quite gell - we all have to learn sometime.

Furthermore, I'd be prepared to guarantee that your experience on/in the Monastry will contribute to your remembering the lesson(s) learnt :-D

Moreover, I'd be very surprised indeed if, thro' the question you asked, you didn't pave the way for others to gain understanding...

Just my 2 penn'orth