class 9th CBSE english lesson

2. William Shakespeare 26 April 1564 (baptised) – 23 April 1616)[ was an English poet,
playwright, and actor, widely 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". His extant works, including some collaborations, consist of about
38 plays,154 sonnets, two long narrative poems, and a few other verses, the
authorship of some of which is uncertain
William Shakespeare the poet of seven ages. William Shakespeare {1564-1616} was
Born in staff-upon-Avon. He is considered by many to be the greatest dramatist of all
Time. He wrote 154 sonnets, two long narrative poems and about three dozen plays.
Shakespeare used poetic and dramatic means to create unified aesthetic effects.

3. The man in the poem goes through these stages all expressed in a
sardonic when not bitter tone:
Infancy: In this stage he is a helpless baby and knows little.
 Whining schoolboy: It is in that stage of life that he begins to go to
school. He is unwilling to leave the protected environment of his home
as he is still not confident enough to exercise his own discretion.
 The lover: In this stage he is always maudlin, expressing his love in a
fatuous manner. He makes himself ridiculous in trying to express his
feelings.
 The soldier: He is very easily aroused and is hot headed. He is always
working towards making a reputation for himself, however short-lived it
may be, even at the cost of foolish risks.
The justice: In this stage he thinks he has acquired wisdom through
the many experiences he has had in life, and is likely to impart it. He has
reached a stage where he has gained prosperity and social status. He
becomes vain and begins to enjoy the finer things of life.
 Old Age: He is a shell of his former self — physically and mentally. He
begins to become the butt of others' jokes. He loses his firmness and
assertiveness, and shrinks in stature and personality.
Incapacity: Dependent on others for care and unable to interact with
the world, he experiences "second innocence, and mere oblivion."

11. He is the soldier

13. He is middle age man