"Warning" written by Jenny Joseph and "Old Man, Old Man" by U., both contain cautionary themes.
Although they both depict old age, Fanthorpe and Jenny Joseph differ in their portrayal of it. Warning is a defiant piece that cautions against the perils of growing old, while Old Man Old Man illuminates the evolving dynamics between a woman and her aged father. Jenny Joseph uses her poem to toy with the ambivalence surrounding our perceptions of aging.
According to her perspective, old age implies reduced freedom and unconventional behavior. Her use of the term "must" highlights that she feels compelled to comply with societal expectations or else risk foregoing a carefree existence. Specifically, she asserts that "We must... pay our rent and not swear in the street."
In the poem presented, a woman's character is reveale
...d through a dramatic monologue. She holds a belief that old age should be a time of seriousness, sobriety and conservationism, however as the poem progresses, her rebellious nature becomes clearer. Her desire to not grow old gracefully is evident, and she wants to live a life of freedom at old age despite not being able to afford it, stating "we've no money for butter". The use of the pronoun 'I' frequently conveys her individualist and unique nature, with a strong and emphatic tone of voice. The use of colour imagery emphasises her vibrant and lurid personality, encouraging others to "wear purple and a red hat".
Joseph uses vivid onomatopoeia to highlight the lively and disorderly nature of the character, emphasizing the wickedness of old age. In addition, the repetition of the word 'and' helps to convey the breathlessness of her voice,
giving the poem a personal touch. The immediate and impassioned rhythm and syntax contribute to this effect as well. The presence of an implied listener, possibly a young person engaging in the same behaviors described in the poem, reinforces its dramatic monologue structure; for example, going out in slippers in the rain.
Starting in medius rex, the poem doesn't provide any exposition but uses the pronoun 'you' in the second verse to show its relevance to the reader. The author, Jenny Joseph, portrays an elderly woman who rebels against societal norms to illustrate the hazards of aging. This commonplace approach is highly effective in highlighting the decline of our liberty and abandon in old age.
'Old Man, Old Man' and 'Warning' are two contrasting poems in terms of their structures. UA Fanthorpe employs a range of antitheses in 'Old Man, Old Man' to emphasize the protagonist's vulnerability and exhaustion. For instance, words like 'shamble' convey his lack of control and vitality. Yet, the poet also highlights how the old man used to wield power and authority in the past, as evidenced by her use of the phrase 'Lord once of the shed'. However, the inclusion of the word 'once' implies that he has lost his former status due to his old age and infirmity.
Within the provided , the text conveys that the person in question once possessed pride. The text also highlights various ways in which this individual is portrayed, including through memories and the use of poetic and colloquial language. Additionally, there are descriptions of both emotions and physical objects, and the text alternates between referring to the individual in first and third person. Lastly, there
is a reference made to utilizing a Black ; Decker tool.
According to his daughter, the old man has gone through significant changes as he has aged, and she questions whether he still remembers the jokes he used to tell. Previously, he had been strict and authoritarian, described as a lifelong adjuster of environments with a passion for DIY. He was emotionally distant, particularly from his daughter, but proficient with tools like Black and Decker. The daughter's use of sarcasm suggests that he maintained a significant distance from the rest of the family.
As an elderly man, he now lives a restricted life of eating and sleeping. He is confined to a limited world and feels isolated, weak, and fragile. Fanthorpe's use of verbs depicting decay illustrates his gradual decline, evident when he "rambles" in conversation.
It appears that the man is feeling fretful and insecure, and he attempts to manage his emotions by controlling his surroundings. There is a temperate flow to his language, such as when he states "Thou by the Indian Ganges side should'st Tubes find." The lack of a pause in "a woman to her love" implies that she is upset, as evidenced by her statement "in drudgery and silence no servant will I be." Overall, it seems as though the man is attempting to woo the woman while also struggling to maintain control over himself.
The anger of the speaker is revealed through enjambment as she declares her refusal to serve or drudge for any man. Similarly, in "To His Coy Mistress," the speaker turns serious towards the end and discusses death, as indicated by pauses in the sentences, such as "Rather at once
our Time devour, than languish in his slow-chapt pow'r." These pauses prompt reflection on the message being conveyed. Finally, in the fourth stanza of "A Woman to Her Lover," the poet shifts focus and discusses becoming a comrade, friend, and partner to live, work, love, and die with her lover.
It can be inferred from the increase in caesura that the speaker is starting to calm down and express more consideration. In Christina Rossetti's "Remember," a shift in attitude occurs towards the end of the poem, transitioning from negative to positive. The tone becomes sorrowful and empathetic, and there is an offer of support. The speaker desires to be tender and vulnerable, hoping to spend more time together. Ultimately, both poems conclude on a optimistic note.
It is advised in "Warning" to prepare for the inevitable as it is a natural occurrence. The conclusion of "Old Man, Old Man" offers assistance and encouragement.
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