Critical analysis of seven ages of men?

Answer 1

The "Seven Ages of Man" is a famous monologue from William Shakespeare's play "As You Like It," which describes the different stages of a person's life. A critical analysis of this piece would involve examining how Shakespeare uses the metaphor of the seven ages to comment on the universal experience of aging and mortality. This analysis may also explore the themes of time, change, and the cyclical nature of life that are present in the monologue. Additionally, scholars may consider how this piece reflects the broader themes and motifs found throughout Shakespeare's works.

Answer 2

The poem commences with life being compared to a huge stage where all of us are only actors. Each person has an entry into the world at birth and exits it at death.

According to Shakespeare, every man plays several parts during his life time. On the stage of life every man has seven acts. The first act of man is infancy. At this time all that the baby does is cry and puke on his nurse's lap. After he goes through his infant life, he emerges as a school child who slings his bag over his shoulder and creeps most unwillingly to school.

At the next stage in life, the young man is a lover who is busy composing ballads for his beloved and sighing deeply for her attention. He graduates into a bearded soldier who promises solemnly to guard his country. He is filled with national pride, is quick to be insulted and is always ready to spring up in defence. At this point of time he is more concerned with status and reputation. From the agile soldier, he goes on to become a judge whose waistline grows as he becomes fatter and fatter. He wears a short, formal beard and his eyes become intense. He is full of wisdom, speaking to everyone in a just and wise manner.

After he has played this part, he goes into the sixth age. He becomes thin, wears spectacles, the skin around him hangs loosely. He is made fun of as being a funny old man. His youth has been left behind. His clothes hang loosely around him and his once manly voice turns into a high pitched, childish one. With this, man enters the last act where he experiences his second childhood as he becomes dependent on people once more. He is overcome by senility and forgetfulness, as he loses his faculties of sight, hearing, smell and taste, slowly but surely, and ultimately dies.

Answer 3

Ah, the seven ages of men, a beautiful concept from Shakespeare's "As You Like It." Each stage represents a different chapter of our lives, from infancy to old age, showing the journey we all take through this world. It's a reminder that every age has its own beauty and purpose, just like every brushstroke adds depth and richness to a painting.

Answer 4

Ah, the seven ages of man, a classic Shakespearean concept from "As You Like It." Basically, it's Shakespeare's way of saying life is a big ol' rollercoaster from birth to death, with each stage bringing its own joys and challenges. So, buckle up buttercup, 'cause life's gonna throw some curveballs at ya, but hey, that's all part of the ride.