Hi Everyone!! This article will share When You Are Old Questions & Answers.
The poem is written by William Butler Yeats. In my previous posts, I have shared the questions and answers of Summer and Winter, Miracles and Stars Speak To Man so, you can check these posts as well.
When You Are Old Questions & Answers
Question 1: How is the journey from youth to old age described in the poem?
Answer: The journey from youth to old age is quite heart touching as described in the poem. The period of youth is described as a period when life seems to be very happy and sweet and we are flocked by many admirers. However, as we grow old, all pleasures begin to fade away. The poet describes the old age in terms of grey hairs, drowsiness, sorrow, and desolation.
Question 2: What does the phrase ‘full of sleep’ mean?
Answer: The phrase ‘full of sleep’ symbolises old age or approaching death.
Question 3: According to the speaker, what will the woman regret in her old age?
Answer: In her old age, the woman will regret that she had rejected the speaker’s true love.
Question 4: How is the poet’s love different from those who also loved his beloved?
Answer: The poet’s love different from those who also loved his beloved in the way that his love is sincere, eternal and spiritual. He loves his beloved not only for her physical appearance but also for her pilgrim soul and inner beauty. On the other hand, others love his beloved for her physical beauty only and their love is sensual.
Question 5: What does the phrase ‘your changing face’ suggest?
Answer: The phrase ‘your changing face’ suggests that the beauty of poet’s beloved will fade away when she will grow old. Her face will get shrunk and she will look different.
Question 6: Where according to the speaker, had love hidden his face?
Answer: According to the speaker, love had hidden his face amid a crowd of stars.
Question 7: What does the speaker want his beloved to do when she is old?
Answer: The speaker wants his beloved to sit by the fire and recall her memories of the past.
Question 8: What is Maud Gonne reminded of in the poem?
Answer: Maud Gonne is reminded of her youth when she was charming and energetic. She is reminded of the false admirers who have forsaken her completely in her old age. She is also reminded that poet’s love was persistent while others love was short-lived.
Question 9: ‘But one man loved the pilgrim soul in you’ Explain.
Answer: The line means that there was only one lover whose love for Maud Gonne was true. His love for her would remain intact for the entire life and will continue even when she becomes old. He would love her eternally even when her pilgrim soul has left for another world.
So, these were When You Are Old Questions & Answers.