Question

In 'On Aging' how does the poet present the speaker's attitudes to growing old?

[24 marks]
A04 [4 marks]

Answer 1

The poem 'On Aging' presents the speaker's attitudes towards aging as a mix of defiance and humor, affirming the elderly's desire for individuality and battling against societal norms and stereotypes.

Step-by-step explanation:

In the poem 'On Aging', the poet presents the speaker's attitudes to growing old as multifaceted, encompassing both acceptance and defiance. There's a humorous and yet poignant tone to the poem, suggesting an embrace of the freedom and the uniqueness of the individual's experience as they age. The speaker's intention to live unapologetically, wearing purple and red hats, and not caring about societal norms, symbolizes a rejection of the stereotypes associated with aging and a determination to retain one's own identity and vitality. This poem also reflects broader cultural attitudes towards aging and suggests a move towards recognizing the grace and wisdom that can come with old age, as opposed to only highlighting the negative physical aspects of aging.

Literary devices enrich the poem, as the poem by Jenny Joseph is referenced for comparison, allowing readers to engage with aging from a new and refreshing perspective. Discussions about aging in society often tackle the challenges facing the elderly, including ageism and the risk of economic and physical dependence. Yet, these attitudes shift over time as society grows to either value or stigmatize the aging process, impacting how each individual feels about growing older and what they expect from their later years.

Answer 2

In her poem, Maya Angelou reflects on growing old and describes it as a stage in life in which, despite some limitations caused by old age, people should be treated as they were treated during younger years, and they should also show gratitude for being able to reach such an age.

Step-by-step explanation:

She explains that being quiet doesn’t mean one needs company and that struggling to get upstairs is no reason to feel pity. Those physical changes don´t mean one has become different than before.