Chapter 6 

Comprehension I

1. The speaker is addressing

a. a young woman he has loved.

b. an old woman that he has met now.

c. the woman that he has admired in his life.

Answer:  a. a young woman he has loved. 

2. In line two, the word 'book' refers to

a. memories.

b. book of poems.

c. an album.

d. diary.

Answer:  b. book of poems.

3. The phrase 'glad grace' suggests

a. her physical beauty.

b. her inner beauty.

c. her goodness.

Answer:  a. her physical beauty.

4. 'Pilgrim soul' means the soul

a. which is immortal.

b. that has gone on a pilgrimage.

c. which is in quest of true love.

Answer:  c. which is in quest of true love.

5. What does the phrase your changing face' suggest?

Answer:  The phrase "your changing face" suggests:

The effects of aging over time — how the beloved’s youthful beauty has gradually faded and transformed with age. It reflects the physical changes that come with growing old, but also hints at the emotional and life experiences that have shaped her expression over the years.

6. 'Love fled' connotes

a. the death of the man who loved her.

b. the fleeing of her lover to the mountains.

c. the loss endured by her.

Answer: c. the loss endured by her. 

Comprehension II

1. How is the 'one man' different from the many others who loved the lady?

Answer:  The 'one man' is different from the many others because:

He loved her for her inner self — her “pilgrim soul” — and not just for her physical beauty.
While others admired her youthful charm and outward grace, this one man cherished her spirit, her emotional depth, and even the sorrows reflected in her aging face. His love was sincere, spiritual, and enduring.

2. Does the poem bring out the transient nature of beauty as against permanence of love?

Answer:  Yes, the poem clearly brings out the transient nature of beauty and contrasts it with the permanence of true love.

The speaker shows how physical beauty fades with age — "when you are old and grey and full of sleep" — but true love, which sees beyond outward appearance and loves the soul, remains constant. While others loved her for her looks, only the speaker loved her for who she truly was, even as her beauty changed with time.

Comprehension III

1. Comment on the usage of time frame by the poet.

Answer: The poet uses a shifting time frame to deepen the emotional impact of the poem.

He begins in the future, imagining the beloved as old and tired, looking back at her youthful past. In doing so, he moves between past, present, and future — showing how beauty fades over time, but true love remains unchanged. This contrast of time periods highlights the difference between temporary admiration and lasting affection.

2. When You Are Old' is a poem of contrasts. What purpose do they serve?

Answer: Yes, "When You Are Old" is rich in contrasts, and they serve to highlight the depth of true love and the passage of time.

Here are the key contrasts and their purposes:

  • Youth vs. Old Age: Shows how beauty fades, but memories and emotions remain.

  • Outer Beauty vs. Inner Soul: Emphasizes that true love is based on the soul, not looks.

  • Many Admirers vs. One True Lover: Highlights the rarity and purity of sincere love.

  • Joyful Past vs. Sad Present: Creates a sense of loss and reflection, deepening the emotional tone.

These contrasts strengthen the central message — that while physical beauty and admiration are fleeting, love rooted in the soul endures through time.