WATCH THE VIDEO

• https://youtu.be/egeDXHcNeNw
IDENTFY THE IMAGE
 PREVIOUS KNOWLEDGE:
• Name the famous poems, plays
written by William Shakespeare.
• What are the stages of a person’s
life?
• What characteristics are associated
with each stage?
 CLASS IX
LITERATURE READER
POEM - THE SEVEN AGES
By – WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE
–

PREPARED BY
JYOTI VIRMANI
DAV PUBLIC SCHOOL BRIJ VIHAR
 GENERAL OBJECTIVES:
• To enable the learner-
• To recognize the organization and identify the main points of
the text
• to communicate effectively and appropriately in real life.
• to use English effectively for study purpose across the
curriculum
• to develop and integrate the use of the four language skills
i.e. reading, listening, speaking and writing.
• to develop interest in and appreciation of English Language .
• to revise and reinforce structure already learnt.
 LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
• to read for thematic understanding and
pleasure
• to know about poetic devices
• to be able to appreciate the poet’s ideas,
feelings
• to produce words with right pronunciation.
 CONTENT HIGHLIGHTS:
• DAY 1:
• The session would start with an interactive session on the class
discussion on the different stages of life.
• The title of the poem would be open for class interpretation.
• The background of the author would be given.
• The poem would be read aloud and paraphrased.
• DAY 2
• Paraphrasing will be continued.
• The theme and message of the poem will be discussed and explained
• Difficult words and poetic devices would be listed out and discussed.
• Book Exercises and assignments would be discussed and explained.
• DAY 3
• Recapitulation will be done through MCQ test sheet and Art Integrated
Activities
METHODOLOGY / TEACHING AIDS:
• Power Point Presentation
• Usage of Internet, web links
• Interactive board
• Class Discussion/Group Discussion
• Text book
• Worksheets based on RTCs, short and long
questions based on values and HOTS
 LIFE SKILLS:
• Creative Thinking
• Critical Thinking
• Students should know the different stages of
human life cycle, starting from birth to old
age. They should also understand why it is
important to understand this cycle, and how
it can help them gain a sense of self and learn
important health concepts.
 VALUES:
• They will learn the different roles a man plays in
his life.
• They will learn that god sent us on this earth to
play our part of role honestly and judiciously.
• They will learn the innocence, playfulness,
exploration, ambition, responsibility towards
the society, self evaluation through the past
actions and acceptance from the seven stages of
the human being.
 LEARNING OUTCOMES:
• Listen, recite and understand the theme of the poem.
• Speak /recite with accuracy following the overall
rhythm in a lyrical way.
• Understand ‘form’ in a literary text such as rhyme,
rhythm and literary devices
• Attempt the exercise based on the poem.
• Express and argue a point clearly and effectively.
• Identify the literary devices like simile, alliteration,
metaphor, repetition.
• Identify the rhyme scheme.
ASSIGNMENT & HOME ASSIGNMENT
• Textual exercise
• Assignment / worksheets based on extracts,
short and long questions will be given.
 HOTS Questions:
• Which of the seven stages described by
Shakespeare do you like most and why?
• Compare old age with childhood. Also, write
about similar traits between these two
stages.
ART INTEGRATED ACTIVITY:
• Poster Making – ‘THE SEVEN STAGES OF MAN’
with their traits
• Mind Mapping/Flash Cards – Literary devices
• Dialogue conversation – Grandson and
grandmother about the experiences of
grandmother.
• Book Jacket – famous play / poem of the author
• Present the poem in a ‘ballad’ / mime show
• Inter Disciplinary Activity – Science Teacher will
be asked to teach about the stages of life.
ART INTEGRATED ACTIVITIES
 WRITING SKILLS
• ‘Every stage of life has its troubles, and no
man is content with his own age’ Justify the
statement through the poem ‘The Seven
Stages’
• According to Shakespeare, there are seven
stages in a man’s life and these stages are
universal. Justify this statement in the light of
poem ‘The Seven Ages’.
DIAGNOSTIC & REMEDIAL MEASURE:
• Peer learning and recapitulation for slow
learners through discussion and cross
questioning.
• Oral and written test
 RESOURCES
• https://youtu.be/GnnUqk-fHQI
• https://youtu.be/GTlbbPg5Gzk
KEY POINTS
• According to William Shakespeare’s character Jaques in As You Like
It men go through seven stages in their lives. In this monologue
Jaques starts by explaining that “All the world’s a stage, And all the
men and women merely players”, then goes on to describe these
seven stages of life that men go through in some detail:

• WORLD COMPARED TO THE STAGE

• FIRST STAGE – INFANT
• SECOND STAGE – SCHOOL BOY
• THIRD STAGE – LOVER/ TEENAGER
• FOURTH STAGE – SOLDIER/YOUNG MAN
• FIFTH STAGE - JUSTICE / JUDGEMENTAL/MIDDLE AGED
• SIXTH STAGE – OLD MAN/OLD AGED
• SEVENTH & LAST STAGE – SECOND CHILDISHNESS /DOTAGE & DEATH
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
• Born - Stratford-upon-Avon,
England
• Baptised26 April 1564
• Died 23 April 1616 (aged 52)
Stratford-upon-Avon, England
• Occupations Playwright, poet,
actor
• Years active - 1585–1613 Era
Elizabethan - Jacobean
• William Shakespeare was an
English playwright, poet and actor.
He is regarded as the greatest
writer in the English language and
the world's pre-eminent
dramatist. He is often called
England's national poet and the
"Bard of Avon".
 LISTEN THE POEM
• ‘All the world’s a stage,
• https://youtu.be/_jaSFtcDEiE
And all the men and women merely players.
They have their exits and their entrances,
And one man in his time plays many parts,
His acts being seven ages. At first the infant,
Mewling and puking in the nurse’s arms.
Then, the whining school-boy with his satchel
And shining morning face, creeping like a snail
Unwillingly to school. And then the lover,
Sighing like furnace, with a woeful ballad
Made to his mistress’ eyebrow. Then, a soldier,
Full of strange oaths, and bearded like the pard,
Jealous in honour, sudden, and quick in quarrel,
Seeking the bubble reputation
Even in the cannon’s mouth. And then, the justice,
In fair round belly, with a good capon lin’d,
With eyes severe, and beard of formal cut,
Full of wise saws, and modern instances,
And so he plays his part. The sixth age shifts
Into the lean and slipper’d pantaloon,
With spectacles on nose and pouch on side,
His youthful hose, well sav’d, a world too wide
For his shrunk shank, and his big manly voice,
Turning again toward childish treble, pipes
And whistles in his sound. Last scene of all,
That ends this strange eventful history,
Is second childishness and mere oblivion,
Sans teeth, sans eyes, sans taste, sans everything.’
 INTRODUCTION
• In this poem, Shakespeare has divided
human life into seven stages, with each stage
having its own qualities and characteristics.
Shakespeare considers the world a stage and
men and women are actors on the stage of
life. They play seven roles on the stage
depending upon their age.
 ABOUT THE POEM
• ‘The Seven Ages’ by William Shakespeare occurs in the play
As You Like It. It is a speech by one of the characters of the
play, Jacques, who is a cynic.
• The poem conveys the idea that the world is like the stage of
a theatre where men and women are actors. They come on
the stage, enact their roles and then quit the stage. Human
life can be divided into seven stages. The first stage in man’s
life is infancy. The next stage is that of a school-going child.
In the third stage the boy grows into a romantic lover. The
next stage is that of a soldier ready to make sacrifices. The
next role man plays is that of a self-satisfied, wise and
prosperous justice. Then he becomes a weak, thin man. And
finally comes the age of senility when man loses all his
faculties. Thus ends the drama of his eventful life.
 MAIN POINTS OF THE POEM
• ‘The Seven Ages’ by William Shakespeare occurs in the play As You Like
It.
• It is a speech by one of the characters of the play, Jacques, who is a
cynic.
• The poem conveys the idea that the world is like the stage of a theatre
where men and women are actors.
• They come on the stage, enact their roles and then quit the stage.
• Human life can be divided into seven stages.
• The first stage in man’s life is infancy.
• The next stage is that of a school-going child.
• In the third stage the boy grows into a romantic lover.
• The next stage is that of a soldier ready to make sacrifices.
• The next role man plays is that of a self-satisfied, wise and a prosperous
human being.
• The next role the man plays of an old man when he becomes a weak,
and thin man.
• And finally comes the age of senility when man loses all his powers. Thus
ends the drama of his eventful life.
 CENTRAL IDEA OF THE POEM
• The central idea of the poem is that the cycle of
life from birth to death is inescapable and we
should play the roles assigned to us at various
stages just like professional actors.
• In the poem, the author describes each human
as a player who plays many parts. A man's life
was expressed into seven different ages which
have different roles on each, starting from an
infant until an incompetent man.
 THEME OF THE POEM
• The theme of William Shakespeare’s poem “The
Seven Ages of Man” is how life is much like a
drama, where men and women live brief lives as
if they were actors in a play, entering life to play
their parts before departing from mortality. In
“The Seven Ages of Man” Shakespeare describes
the seven distinct stages in human life, cycling
from birth to death. The poem, used in
Shakespeare’s play “As You Like It,” is written as
a monologue in a free-form, narrative style,
using numerous literary techniques, including
alliteration, metaphor and simile.
 SHORT SUMMARY
• Shakespeare considers the world a stage and men and women actors on the
stage of life. They play seven roles according to their age.
• The first stage, as described by the poet, is the infant who is being carried by a
nurse. The infant cries and vomits all the time. Later, that infant grows into a
schoolboy, not willing to attend a school which is the fourth stage of a man’s life.
• The third stage is that of a lover who is lost in his thoughts of love. The lover
writes poetry to his lady’s beauty.
• In the fourth stage, as he grows older, he joins the army and becomes a soldier.
He is physically fit and is aggressive, short-tempered and ambitious in nature.
• The fifth stage shows that with maturity and wisdom, the family man becomes a
judge. He is a fair, healthy man full of wisdom. His look is authoritative and he
advises people.
• The sixth stage is about the man who has grown old and is seen in a pantaloon
and spectacles. His authoritative voice has grown weak and his voice trembles as
he talks.
• The last stage is about the senile man who loses his teeth, his vision and his
hearing. After this, the man part in the play ends and he exits from the stages of
his life forever.
 DETAILED SUMMARY
• ‘The Seven Ages ’ is an extract taken from Shakespeare s famous
play ‘As You Like It’. The poet compares this world to a stage of a
theatre and all its men and women to actors and actresses. They
take birth, play seven different roles and die. These seven stages
of man’s life are that of an infant, school-boy, lover, soldier,
justice, old ‘pantaloon ’ and ‘second childishness ’. After playing
these seven roles and living through these stages of life, man
departs from this world. It ends the strange and eventful history
of his life.
• World Compared to a Stage

Shakespeare compares this world to a stage in a theatre. All men

and women are only players. The stage has both exits and
entrances. Similarly, men and women take birth and enter the
world. They live their lives and go out of it when they die. Every
man plays seven roles and lives through seven stages of life.
 Contd………
• Infant and School-boy
The birth of an infant begins the first stage of man’s life. The
infant cries and vomits in the arms of his nurse. Then he
grows into a school-going boy. He is unwilling to go to the
school and moves towards it at a snails’s speed.
• Lover and Soldier
In the third stage man plays the role of a lover. He sighs like
a furnace and keeps on writing woeful ballads praising the
beauty of the eyes of his beloved. The fourth stage is that of
a soldier. He keeps a beard like that of a leopard. He always
runs after honour and fame. He is ready even to enter a
cannon’s mouth just for momentary fame and reputation.
 Contd………
• Justice and Old ‘Pantaloon’
In the fifth stage man plays the role of a justice. He is fond of
eating chickens and develops a fat round belly. He is full of
wise sayings and modem instances. He is a man of wisdom
and knowledge. In the sixth stage man becomes weak and
thin in body. He wears slippers, spectacles and clothes that
he bought when he was young. These pants and stockings
have become loose for his shrunk and thin legs.
• Last Stage
The seventh stage is ‘second childishness’. In this stage man
becomes very old and starts behaving like a child. He is left
with no teeth and becomes weak in eyesight. Actually, he
loses taste and becomes a victim of forgetfulness. Then after
living through the seventh stage of life, man departs from
the world.
 THE SEVEN AGES
By WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE
 STANZA - 1
• All the world’s a stage •
And all the men and
women merely players:
They have their exits and
their entrances;
And one man in his time
•
plays many parts.
• His acts being seven ages
•
EXPLANATION
These lines are from William Shakespeare's
play "As You Like It," specifically from a
monologue spoken by the character Jaques. In
this metaphorical passage, Jaques compares
the world to a stage and people to actors. The
phrase "All the world's a stage" implies that life
is akin to a theatrical production where
individuals assume different roles throughout
their lives.
Jaques continues by stating that men and
women are mere players on this stage, coming
and going as they please. The reference to
"exits and entrances" suggests the stages of
life, such as birth and death, as well as the
various transitions and changes one
experiences. Finally, Jaques notes that each
person plays multiple parts or roles during
their lifetime, indicating that individuals
assume different identities and personas as
they navigate through different stages and
situations.
 EXTRACT - 1
1. What does the metaphor "All the world's a stage"
suggest about life?

2. What does it mean when it says, "They have their

exits and their entrances"?

3. How does Shakespeare convey the idea of people

playing many parts in their lifetime?

4. What is the significance of comparing men and

women to players?
 STANZA - 2
•
• At first the infant,
These lines are from William Shakespeare's play "As
You Like It," spoken by the character Jaques in his
monologue on the stages of life. In this particular
Mewling and puking in •
excerpt, Jaques describes the early stages of childhood.
Jaques begins by describing the first stage of life:
the nurse’s arms. infancy. The phrase "At first the infant" represents the
newborn baby. The term "mewling and puking"

Then the whining portrays the infant's vulnerability and helplessness,

schoolboy, with his • Moving on, Jaques describes the next stage as the
satchel
And shining morning
face, creeping like snail
Unwillingly to school. •
highlighting their initial dependence on the nurse's
care.
"whining schoolboy." This phase symbolizes the
beginning of formal education. The schoolboy is
depicted carrying a satchel and having a "shining
morning face," indicating his youthful enthusiasm and
eagerness for learning. However, the line "creeping like
snail unwillingly to school" suggests a reluctance or
unwillingness to go to school, emphasizing the
common sentiment of children sometimes being
resistant to educational obligations.
Together, these lines emphasize the progression from
infancy to early childhood, depicting the early stages of
life marked by dependency on caregivers and the
initiation of formal education.
 EXTRACT 2:
1. How is the infant described in the lines?
2. What does the phrase "shining morning
face" suggest about the schoolboy?
3. What does the phrase "in the nurse's arms"
indicate about the infant's dependency?
4. What does the simile "creeping like a snail"
reveal about the schoolboy's state of mind?
 STANZA - 3
• Jaques starts by depicting the stage of the lover. He
• And then the lover,
Sighing like furnace, with a • This imagery conveys the deep emotions and passions
woeful ballad
Made to his mistress’ •
eyebrow. Then a soldier.
Full of strange oaths, and
• The soldier is portrayed as someone who values honor
bearded like the pard,
Jealous in honour, sudden
and quick in quarrel, •
Seeking the bubble
reputation.
describes the lover as sighing intensely, comparing the
sighs to a furnace.
experienced by someone in love. The mention of a
"woeful ballad made to his mistress' eyebrow"
suggests that the lover expresses his love and devotion
through poetic gestures or songs, captivated by the
smallest details of his beloved.
Moving on, Jaques describes the stage of a soldier. The
soldier is depicted as being full of strange oaths,
meaning he swears unusual or extravagant pledges. He
is also described as having a beard resembling that of a
leopard (pard).
greatly, being jealous in matters of reputation and
quick to engage in quarrels or conflicts. The phrase
"seeking the bubble reputation" implies that the
soldier is willing to risk his life for the fleeting and
fragile nature of fame or public recognition, even in
dangerous situations like facing cannons
.Through these lines, Shakespeare explores different
stages of life, highlighting the passionate and romantic
nature of the lover and the courageous yet volatile
characteristics of a soldier. The passage captures the
emotional intensity and the pursuit of love, honor, and
fame that individuals may experience during their
lifetime.
 EXTRACT 3:
1. The phrase "sighing like a furnace" suggests
about the lover's emotional state. Explain.
2. Question: What does the phrase "made to his
mistress' eyebrow" imply about the lover's
focus?
3.How is the lover described in this line?
4. Mention some characteristics of the soldier's
personality ?
5. The phrase "seeking the bubble reputation"
suggests about the soldier’s ______________
 STANZA - 4
•
• Even in the cannon’s
The phrase "Even in the cannon's mouth" suggests that
even in the face of danger or difficult circumstances, justice
remains steadfast and impartial. It symbolizes the idea that
mouth. And then the justice is present even in the midst of conflict or peril.
• Jaques then describes justice as being in a "fair round belly."
justice, This metaphorical description portrays justice as a well-
rounded and balanced entity. The reference to a "good
In fair round belly with capon lined" implies that justice is filled with nourishment
and sustenance, further emphasizing its completeness and
good capon lined, •
integrity.
The phrase "with eyes severe year" suggests that justice is
With eyes severe and beard watchful and discerning, keenly observing and evaluating
situations. The mention of "neared of formal cuts" indicates
of formal cut, that justice is well-versed in the formalities and procedures
of the legal system, highlighting its role in maintaining order
and fairness.
Full of wise saws and • The second part of the passage states that justice is "full of
five stars in modern" and "full of wise saws and modern
modern instances; instances." This indicates that justice encompasses
knowledge and wisdom, incorporating both timeless
And so he plays his part. principles (wise saws) and contemporary examples (modern
instances). It implies that justice draws from a wealth of
experiences and wisdom to make fair and informed
judgments.
• Overall, these lines highlight the enduring nature of justice,
its impartiality, completeness, watchfulness, and its ability
to adapt to the changing circumstances of the modern
world.
 EXTRACT - 4
1. In the line "Even in the cannon's mouth," what does
Shakespeare mean by "cannon's mouth"?
2. How does the phrase "justice in fair round belly"
convey a particular image or idea of the character
mentioned in the lines ?
3. . How are the "eyes severe" described in the lines?
4. The line "full of wise saws and modern instances"
seems ambiguous. What could Shakespeare mean
by “wise saws" in this context?
 STANZA - 5
• The sixth age shifts • Jaques paints a vivid picture of an elderly man by using
descriptive language. The phrase "lean and slippered

Into the lean and pantaloons" refers to worn-out and loose-fitting trousers
typically worn by older individuals. It suggests frailty and

slippered pantaloon, •
physical decline.
The mention of "spectacles on nose" indicates that the
With spectacles on nose character wears glasses, implying weakened eyesight due to
aging. Additionally, the "pouch on side" suggests the character
and pouch on side, carries a small bag or purse, possibly for keeping personal
items or medicines handy.
His youthful hose, well • The phrase "his youthful hose well saved a world too wide for
his shrunk shank" contrasts the character's past ambitions with
saved, a world too wide his current physical limitations. "Hose" refers to tight-fitting
pants worn in the past, symbolizing the character's youthful
For his shrunk shank; and aspirations. However, the "shrunk shank" signifies the physical
deterioration of his legs, preventing him from accomplishing
his big manly voice, the vast goals he once had.
• Lastly, the line "his big manly voice turning again toward
Turning again toward childish treble pipes" conveys a regression in the character's

childish treble, pipes vocal quality. It suggests that his voice, once deep and
authoritative,

And whistles in his • has now become higher-pitched and reminiscent of a child's
voice. This emphasizes the loss of maturity and the return to a

sound. •
more childlike state, characteristic of old age.
Overall, these lines explore the theme of aging, illustrating the
physical and vocal changes experienced by an individual as
they progress through the stages of life.
 EXTRACT - 5
1. What is described as being worn in
the given lines?
2. What accessories does the person
in the lines have?
3. How is the person's hose
described?
4. How does the person's voice
change?
 STANZA - 6
•
• Last scene of all,
Jaques begins by stating that in the last stage, a
person's voice "turns again toward childish treble,
pipes, and whistles in his sound." This implies that as a

That ends this person grows older and reaches the end of their life,
their voice becomes weak and frail, resembling the
high-pitched sounds of a child's voice. It symbolizes a
strange eventful •
regression to a more vulnerable and dependent state.
He continues by referring to this final stage as the "last
scene of all." This stage marks the conclusion of a
history, person's "strange eventful history," encompassing their
entire life's journey. The term "strange" suggests the

Is second unpredictable and varied experiences one encounters

throughout life.
• Jaques then describes this final stage as "second
childishness and childishness and mere oblivion." This phrase signifies a
return to a state of helplessness and a loss of

mere oblivion, awareness or memory. The person enters a state of

oblivion, devoid of teeth, eyes, taste, and everything
else. The repetition of the term "sans," meaning
Sans teeth, sans "without," emphasizes the profound emptiness and
loss of faculties in this stage of life.
•
eyes, sans taste, Overall, these lines capture the bittersweet reality of
the final stage of human life, where the person
regresses to a childlike state and faces oblivion. It

sans everything. reflects on the inevitable cycle of life, encompassing

both its joys and its eventual decline.
 EXTRACT 6:
1. Question: What is the significance of
describing old age as "second childishness"?
2. Question: How does the phrase "mere
oblivion" contribute to the portrayal of the
last stage of life?
3. Question: What is the significance of the
phrase "sans teeth, sans eyes, sans taste,
sans everything"?
 GLOSSORY / Word-Meaning
• Players – actors
• Time – lifetime
• Parts – roles
• Ages – stages
• Whining – grumbling
• Sighing – drawing deep breath
• Ballad – song
• Jealous in honour – keen to guard his reputation
• Bubble reputation – short-lived glory
• Justice – judge
• Lined – filled with
• Merely – just
• Mewling – crying
• Puking – vomiting
• Satchel – a small bag for carrying school books.
• Woeful – very sad
GLOSSORY/Word Meaning
• Pard – leopard
• Cannon – a big gun that fired cannon-balls made of iron.
• Capon – very big and fat
• Oaths – solemn promises
• Justice – judge
• Slippered – wearing indoor shoes
• Pantaloon – a funny old man on whom other people play tricks
• Pouch – a soft fold of loose skin that hangs down as a result of
illness or old age.
• Hose – tight-fitting leg coverings
• Shank – legs from the knee to the ankle.
• Treble – a high voice
• Oblivion – forgetting everything and being forgotten by everybody
• Sans – without (a French word)
 LITERARY DEVICES
1. Metaphor: "All the world's a stage“ and Compares last scene of the poem to death.
Explanation: This line uses metaphor to compare the world to a stage, suggesting that life is like a theatrical
performance.
2. Personification: "And all the men and women merely players“
Explanation: Personification is used to attribute human qualities (being players) to the men and women,
treating them as actors on the stage of life.
3. Repetition: & Anaphora "And one man in his time plays many parts, Sans is repeated in the last line.
"Explanation: The repetition of the word "plays" emphasizes the idea that an individual assumes multiple
roles or characters throughout their lifetime.
4. Metonymy: "They have their exits and their entrances“
Explanation: Metonymy is employed by using "exits" and "entrances" to refer to the arrival and departure of
individuals, symbolizing different stages or phases in life.
5. Imagery: "Mewling and puking in the nurse’s arms“
Explanation: The use of vivid imagery creates a visual and sensory experience, depicting the image of an
infant crying and vomiting in the nurse's arms.
6. Simile: "Creeping like snail“
Explanation: A simile is used to compare the schoolboy's slow movement to that of a snail, highlighting his
reluctance or lack of enthusiasm.
7, Hyperbole- Even in a cannon's mouth. The line is used to exaggerate the soldier's strength that he can
swallow a canon without any pain.
8. Alliteration- Shrunk Shank.
9. Symbolism – Soldier and Judge
10. Rhyme Scheme – Free Verse
 ACTIVITY BASED ON THE TRAITS OF
THE STAGES OF MAN
• With which stage of life the following phrases
are associated
FILL THE TRAITS
 MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS
• 1. In the poem, the seven stages of life are compared to:
• a) A day
• b) A journey
• c) A song
• d) A dream

• 2. According to the poem, a person's life starts with:

• a) Whining and crying
• b) Innocent playfulness
• c) Learning and growing
• d) Dreams and aspirations

• 3. The stage of the "lover" is described as:

• a) Sighing and professing love
• b) Yearning and pining for love
• c) Experiencing intense passion
• d) Finding solace in love

• 4. The stage of the "soldier" is marked by:

• a) Bravery and courage
• b) Fierce battles and victories
• c) Sacrifices for the nation
• d) Loyalty and discipline

• 5. According to the poem, the "justice" stage is associated with:

• a) Wise counsel and fairness
• b) Upholding the law and order
• c) Seeking justice for the oppressed
• d) Administering punishments
 CONTD ----------
• 6. The stage of the "pantaloon" signifies:
• a) Old age and frailty
• b) Wisdom and experience
• c) Isolation and loneliness
• d) Reflecting on past achievements

• 7. The poem states that the final stage, the "second childishness," is characterized by:
• a) Helplessness and dependence
• b) Memories and nostalgia
• c) Joyful playfulness
• d) Rest and peace

• 8. What is the overall tone of the poem?

• a) Melancholic
• b) Joyful
• c) Inspiring
• d) Humorous

• 9. The poem "The Seven Ages" primarily explores the theme of:
• a) The passage of time
• b) Love and relationships
• c) Human mortality
• d) Social roles and responsibilities

• 10. The poem's structure consists of:

• a) Seven stanzas
• b) Seven rhymed couplets
• c) A continuous narrative
• d) A series of rhetorical questions
 ANSWERS
• 1. b) A journey
• 2. a) Whining and crying
• 3. c) Experiencing intense passion
• 4. d) Loyalty and discipline
• 5. a) Wise counsel and fairness
• 6. a) Old age and frailty
• 7. a) Helplessness and dependence
• 8. a) Melancholic
• 9. a) The passage of time
• 10. c) A continuous narrative