And whistles in his sound. Last scene of all,
That ends this strange eventful history,
Is second childishness and mere oblivion,
Sans teeth, sans eyes, sans taste, sans everything.
Question 1: What is the significance of the phrase "second childishness and mere oblivion" in the poem?
Answer: It symbolizes the final stage of life, representing the regression into a state resembling childhood and eventual oblivion.
Question 2: How does the use of alliteration in "mere oblivion" impact the poem?
Answer: The repetition of the initial consonant sound emphasizes the sense of emptiness and insignificance associated with old age, enhancing the feeling of loss and decline.
Question 3: What does the phrase "sans teeth, sans eyes, sans taste, sans everything" suggest about the final stage of life?
Answer: It suggests a complete loss of physical and sensory faculties, highlighting the profound emptiness and vulnerability of old age.