Question

Explain the following lines briefly with reference to the context

(a) “They have their exits and their entrances; And one man in his time plays many parts”

(b) ‘‘Jealous in honour, sudden and quick in quarrel, Seeking the bubble reputation”.

(c) “Is second childishness and mere oblivion; Sans teeth, sans eyes, sans taste, sans everything.”

Answer 1

(a) Reference: These lines are from the poem ‘All the world’s a stage’ written by William Shakespeare.

Context and Explanation: The poet says this while hinting at the beginning and the end of life. The poet divides man’s life into seven stages. The first stage symbolises birth and the last stage death. So, he uses the words “entrances and exits”.

(b) Reference: These lines are from the poem ‘All the world’s a stage’ written by William Shakespeare.

Context and Explanation: The poet says these words while describing the fourth stage when the young man becomes a soldier and runs after short-lived glory. He has inflated sense of honour and ready to insist on duels to settle matters touching his honour. He does not realise that the reputation he seeks is short-lived like a bubble.

(c) Reference: These lines are from the poem ‘All the world’s a stage’ written by William Shakespeare.

Context and Explanation: The poet says this while man gets ready to leave this world (i.e.) the last stage of his life on this lonely planet. In this stage, man becomes totally forgetful. He loses his teeth, eyesight and taste. He loses all his senses of perception. Like a baby, he can’t do anything on his own. So, the poet calls this stage “second childhood” when the old man behaves in a childish manner.