Poem

1. Purpose of the activity: Read and understand a poem, and use it to reflect on the possible regrets of an old person.

2. Steps:

Has. Read Pierre de Ronsard’s poem “When You’re Old” carefully.

B. Answer the questions asked.

Has. Read the poem. As it is a 16th century poem, some words have fallen into disuse. I’ve scored a few. If you have any other comprehension difficulties, come to our Zoom session or my hours of permanence or send me a message. But first, use the comprehension questions (1 below) that will guide your reading.

“When you’re so old” – Pierre de Ronsard

When you are very old, in the evening, by candlelight,

Sitting by the fire, unloading and spinning,

Say, singing my verses, marvelling at you:

Ronsard was celebrating me from the time I was beautiful.

 

When you will have maie oyant2 such news,

Already under the half-sleepy toil,

Who at the sound of my name does not go awakening,

Blessing your name of immortal praise.

 

I will be under the ground and boneless ghost:

Pat the myrtle shadows I will take my rest:

You will be at home an old crouched,

 

Regretting my love and your proud disdain.

Live, if I believe, don’t wait until tomorrow:

Pick the roses of life today.

Pierre de Ronsard, Sonnets for Hélène, 1578

 

B. Answer each of the following questions in detail. If the question is profound, feel free to write an entire paragraph on it.

1. Understanding.

First strophe : The poet, indicated by words like “my verses,” writes to a lady, called “you.”

1- How old is this lady? How is she now (at the time he writes the poem)?

B. Ronsard invites him to imagine what time of his life? How will it be at that time?

C. And what will she remember then?

Second strophe

D. Ronsard imagines a “servant” who will listen to the whispered words of his mistress. How will she react?

E. What does this imagined reaction tell us about Ronsard’s self-image?

 

Third strophe:

F. Where will Ronsard be at that time, in what condition?

G. What does the difference between the lady and the poet in this future reveal about their current difference? (Are they the same age?)

 

Fourth strophe:

h. Ronsard thinks the lady will regret her “proud disdain” — what does that mean? what is their relationship, what is the lady’s current attitude towards the poet?

I. What is the message conveyed by the last two verses? Ronsard encourages the lady to do what, and for what reason?

J. What is the symbolism of the “roses” here?

2. Reflection. Think about it and explain your answers carefully.

K. Do you think Ronsard’s advice is good? why or why not?

L. What implicit or explicit arguments do they use to convince the lady? Do you find those arguments persuasive?

Mr. Do you believe that a lady who was beautiful in her youth always regrets her beauty when she is old? Why not?

N. Some say that we only regret what we did not do. Do you agree? Why not?

O. Will the things you regret now seem as important to you when you’re old? Why not?