Young and Old

Young and Old

by Charles Kingsley

When all the world is young, lad,
And all the trees are green;
And every goose a swan, lad,
And every lass a queen;
Then hey for boot and horse, lad,
And round the world away!
Young blood must have its course, lad,
And every dog his day.

When all the world is old, lad,
And all the trees are brown;
And all the sport is stale, lad,
And all the wheels run down;
Creep home, and take your place there,
The spent and maimed among;
God grant you find one face there,
You loved when all was young.

Summary of Young and Old

• Popularity of “Young and Old”: “Young and Old” is a cherished poem by Charles Kingsley, first appearing as a song within his celebrated novel, The Water Babies, published in 1863. The poem beautifully contrasts the experiences of youth and age, offering a poignant reflection on life’s transitions. Its enduring appeal lies in its succinct yet profound portrayal of aging, viewed through the lens of lived experience.
• “Young and Old” As a Representative of Wonder: This literary gem explores how different stages of life shape our perceptions and selves. The poem opens with an experienced narrator addressing the young, describing a world brimming with potential and vibrant beauty. The young perceive a world full of wonder, easily captivated by nature and relationships. As time passes, this vibrant world loses some of its luster. The narrator suggests a quiet acceptance of this change, finding solace in cherished memories. What captivates the reader is the narrator’s honest and relatable depiction of life’s cyclical nature.
• Major Themes in “Young and Old”: The bounties of the world, the contrast between youth and age, and the reality of life’s passage are central themes. The narrator eloquently illustrates how time alters our perspective, priorities, and preferences. The energy and optimism of youth, where everything appears perfect and glamorous, are contrasted with the quiet contemplation that often accompanies age. The poem implies that while the world may change, the value of enduring relationships remains constant.

Analysis of Literary Devices Used in “Young and Old”

Literary devices are the tools writers use to create depth, meaning, and emotional resonance in their work. They help convey ideas, evoke feelings, and make writing more engaging. Charles Kingsley skillfully employs several literary devices in this poem.

1. Assonance: Assonance is the repetition of vowel sounds within words close to each other. In the line “And all the trees are green,” the repeated “ee” sound in “trees” and “green” creates a pleasing musicality and emphasizes the lushness of the young world.
2. Alliteration: Alliteration is the repetition of consonant sounds at the beginning of words in close proximity. Examples include “God grant you find” where the “g” sound is repeated, and “sport is stale” showcasing the “s” sound. This technique adds emphasis and creates a memorable rhythm.
3. Anaphora: Anaphora is the repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses or sentences. The repeated phrase “And all the” appears at the start of several lines in the second stanza—“And all the trees are brown; And all the sport is stale, lad; And all the wheels run down.” This repetition emphasizes the sense of decline and weariness associated with old age.
4. Imagery: Imagery uses descriptive language to appeal to the five senses. Phrases such as “Creep home, and take your place there,” “Then hey for boot and horse, lad,” and “And all the trees are green” paint vivid pictures in the reader’s mind, creating a strong sense of atmosphere.
5. Irony: The poem contains a subtle irony in the way it contrasts the perceptions of youth and age. What appears bright and exhilarating to the young is seen as worn and stale by the old. This highlights the subjective nature of experience and the way our perspectives change over time.
6. Metaphor: The entire poem can be seen as a metaphor for the life cycle. The “young world” and “old world” represent different stages of life, each with its own unique characteristics and experiences.
7. Symbolism: “Green trees” symbolize youth, vitality, and growth, while “brown trees” symbolize age, decline, and the passing of time. These symbols reinforce the poem’s central theme of life’s cyclical nature.

Analysis of Poetic Devices Used in “Young and Old”

Poetic devices are tools specific to poetry that enhance its aesthetic and emotional impact. These devices help create rhythm, rhyme, and musicality, as well as deeper layers of meaning.

1. End Rhyme: The poem uses end rhyme, with words such as “lad” recurring at the ends of lines 1, 3, 5, and 7, and “away” rhyming with “day” at the ends of lines 6 and 8. This contributes to the poem’s musical quality and memorability.
2. Rhyme Scheme: The poem does not follow a strict ABAB pattern. Instead, it uses a mix of repeated rhymes and couplets, creating a unique rhythmic flow.
3. Repetition: The repeated use of the word “lad” throughout the first stanza creates a rhythmic effect and emphasizes the youthful tone.
4. Refrain: The opening line of the second stanza, “When all the world is old, lad,” serves as a refrain that sets the tone of the poem and reminds readers of the central theme.
5. Stanza: The poem consists of two stanzas, each containing eight lines, which provides a balanced and symmetrical structure.

Quotes to be Used

The following lines are particularly resonant and can help readers understand the importance of cherishing memories and relationships throughout life.

“God grant you find one face there,
You loved when all was young.”

This quote emphasizes the enduring value of human connection and the importance of finding comfort in cherished relationships as we age.