Page 31 - DENG203_ELECTIVE_ENGLISH_IV

Elective English—IV

Notes 2.6 A Psychologist

Shakespeare was a great psychologist. The job of a psychologist is to read the mind of human
beings. This poem is loaded with such interpretations. The poet studies the psyche of mankind
and accordingly divides a man’s life into seven ages. In The Seven Ages of Man, Shakespeare
describes the actual activities of an infant, unwilling school boy, a lover, soldier, and justice, old
and childish man. He studies and opens their psyche of a human being at each stage. It appears
that the poet himself entered all ages and examined each age thoroughly. He then describes each
age very skilfully without any exaggerations.

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Caution William Shakespeare wrote The Seven Ages of Man in the 16th century, when the
social structure was unbalanced and crude. So don’t be alarmed by the obvious sexism in
the poem as not a single example is given from the female perspective.

2.7 A Humourist

Shakespeare is mild in humour. His way of describing the first five ages is very hilarious.
However, in the last two ages, the poet’s tone becomes sad as he describes the last days of man.
The poet politely describes the stage of old age. While describing the age of a soldier, Shakespeare
displays humour that is harsh to a certain extent. Then again, overall, his humour is appreciable
and polite. Such disposition makes Shakespeare a great humourist and humanist. Indeed, he
focuses on man and his problems. He additionally engages himself in finding various methods
to solve these problems. One can see the poetic skills of the writer. Whenever the duke is
plunged into a problem, the poet gives attention to him and comes up with a poem.

The Seven Ages of Man is taken from William Shakespeare’s pastoral comedy ‘As you like it’.
In ‘As you like it’, Shakespeare has used polite and simple expression and language. His usage
of phrases, blank verse, figures of speech and simple language make his style of writing stand
out.

2.8 Conclusion

William Shakespeare was not just an immensely talented poet but also an extraordinary actor.
The view of world being a stage and human beings being actors comes from a man who dedicated
his entire life to theatre. This notion has a universal charm. The Seven Ages of Man is undoubtedly
a beautiful and unique master piece created by William Shakespeare.

Self Assessment

State true or false:
1. Shakespeare says that every man goes through seven acts in his life time from birth to
death.
2. Shakespeare considers the world as one huge stage.
3. William Shakespeare was not an actor.

4. The Seven Ages of Man is not taken from William Shakespeare’s pastoral comedy ‘As you
like it’.
5. The Seven Ages of Man is a poem written by William Shakespeare in blank verse, unrhymed
iambic pentameter.

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