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Question
Describe the various stages of a man’s life picturised in the poem “All the World’s a stage."
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Solution
Shakespeare has beautifully portrayed this world as a huge open theatre wherein all humans play seven acts/ages. In the first act, he is a helpless infant puking on the nurse’s arms mewling like a kitten. In the second stage, he is the grumbling/whining school student. He moves to school like a snail/unwillingly with his slate and bag. In the third Act, he is a lover sighing and yearning for the attention of his lady love.
He composes romantic ballads complaining his love that he needs a better deal. In the fourth Act, he becomes a quick-tempered soldier, aggressive and ambitious, ready to stake his life for the sake of his bubble reputation. As he matures, he becomes a wise judge of contemporary life quoting wise maxims to endorse his opinion. He is firm and serious. In the sixth act, his stout legs become thin making his trousers of youth unsuitable. Thin and lean legs easily travel through them but are unable to stay due to a slim waist. His bass voice has become treble like that of a child. In the last act, he is sans teeth, says eyes, sans taste, and sans everything (i.e.) loses all senses. He departs the world.
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Introduction
The poem ‘Ulysses’ is a dramatic monologue that contains 70 lines of blank verse. Ulysses, the King of Ithaca, gathers his men together to prepare for the journey and exhorts them not to waste their time left on earth. Ulysses has grown old, having experienced many adventures at the battle of Troy and in the seas. After returning to Ithaca, he desires to embark upon his next voyage. His inquisitive spirit is always looking forward to more and more of such adventures.
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