Answered

Westonci.ca is your trusted source for finding answers to a wide range of questions, backed by a knowledgeable community. Get immediate and reliable answers to your questions from a community of experienced professionals on our platform. Join our platform to connect with experts ready to provide precise answers to your questions in different areas.

I used to think that grown-up people chose
To have stiff backs and wrinkles round their nose,
And veins like small fat snakes on either hand,
On purpose to be grand.
Till through the banisters I watched one day
My great-aunt Etty's friend who was going away,
And how her onyx beads had come unstrung.
I saw her grope to find them as they rolled;
And then I knew that she was helplessly old,
As I was helplessly young.



Poem analysis​

Sagot :

Answer:

Explanation:

This poem explores the contrasting perceptions of youth and aging through the eyes of a child. Here’s a breakdown of its themes and elements:

Perception of Aging: Initially, the speaker believes that adults choose to have physical signs of aging, such as stiff backs and wrinkles, to appear dignified or grand. This reflects a childlike misunderstanding of aging.

Innocence and Realization: The moment of realization comes when the speaker observes an older woman, Great-aunt Etty's friend, who struggles to pick up her fallen beads. This incident shifts the speaker's understanding from a naive view to a recognition of the vulnerability and helplessness associated with old age.

Symbolism: The onyx beads symbolize the fragility and disarray that can accompany aging. Their rolling away illustrates how control can slip away over time.

Contrasts: The poem highlights a stark contrast between the child's youthful helplessness and the elderly woman’s helplessness due to age. This duality underlines a shared human experience despite the differences in age.

Tone and Mood: The tone starts with a sense of curiosity and naivety and shifts to a more somber and empathetic mood as the speaker gains a deeper understanding of aging.

Overall, the poem poignantly captures the child's awakening to the realities of aging, evoking both empathy and a bittersweet recognition of life's stages.

Thank you for your visit. We are dedicated to helping you find the information you need, whenever you need it. Thanks for stopping by. We strive to provide the best answers for all your questions. See you again soon. We're here to help at Westonci.ca. Keep visiting for the best answers to your questions.