Compare the Ways in which Old Age is Portrayed within "Old Man, Old Man" and "Warning"

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Graham Conner 11c                                                                                            Miss Kitson

Compare the Ways in which Old Age is Portrayed within “Old Man, Old Man” and “Warning”

‘Old Man, Old Man’ is a poem about a daughter who is narrating about her father. The poem compares the past life of her father, to what it is like at present. This involves changes in physical and mental strengths. This poem was written by U.A. Fanthorpe, and possibly written from real life experiences.

‘Warning’ is about a middle-aged mother who looks to the future at what she wants to be like when older. She wants to be different and rebel against the views people have of a typical old lady. This may be because she was quiet and respectable earlier on in life, and she wants to make up for it.

These poems are different in a lot of ideas about old age, which means that these points can be compared and looked at.

Physical Factors are a big part of how old age is portrayed in both of the poems. It is one of the things that are picked up by the poet that will or has already changed.

In ‘Old Man, Old Man’ most of the statements referring to old age are greatly exaggerated for the reason that the reader can imagine how much the man has changed, and therefore a much greater view of his changed image can be seen and noticed.

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There are some clear signs that this man may have very poor eyesight. A condition common in people of his age.

               “Now his hands shamble among clues

                 He left for himself when he saw better”

And

                “Living in almost dark,

                  I can see you”

Changing physically had more affect on him that it would on anyone else. He used to be a doer, “A man ...

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