What Are the Seven Stages in a Man’s Life in “As You Like It”?

Answer

What are the seven stages in a man’s life in “As You Like It”?

“As You Like It” (1623) by William Shakespeare (1564-1616) does not particularly outline the seven stages in a man’s life. In Act II, Scene VII of the play, Jacques does it. In his famous speech, he reflects on the various stages of human life. These stages are not distinct to men; they surround all humanity. Here are the seven stages.

Infancy: This is the first stage of human life. Jaques describes the helplessness of an infant. He shows the reliance of an infant on others for care and nourishment. Here is a quotation to understand the point. 

At first the infant, 

Mewling and puking in the nurse’s arms.

Childhood: Childhood behaviour is presented here. According to Jacques’s speech, we see the unwillingness of a schoolboy to take on his studies and responsibilities. 

And then the whining schoolboy, with his satchel

And shining morning face, creeping like snail

Unwillingly to school.

Youth: This stage describes the emotional and lovestruck youth. At this time, they experience the intensity of romantic emotions. Here is a quotation regarding this stage. 

Sighing like furnace, with a woeful ballad 

Made to his mistress’ eyebrow.

Adulthood: Jaques portrays the adult as a soldier. They usually display pride, courage, and a readiness for conflict. Let us study an extract from the text about this stage. 

Then a soldier,

Full of strange oaths and bearded like the pard,

Jealous in honor, sudden and quick in quarrel.

Middle Age: This period of human life shows a middle-aged person. He is prosperous, wise, and perhaps arrogant. His characteristics are evident in the following lines.

And then the justice, 

In fair round belly with good capon lined, 

With eyes severe and beard of formal cut, 

Full of wise saws and modern instances.

Old Age: Jaques represents old age as a weakness. They wear slippers and glasses and carry a bag for their needs. The following quotation should be explained to realize this stage. 

The sixth age shifts 

Into the lean and slippered pantaloon, 

With spectacles on nose and pouch on side.

Senility or Second Childhood: The final stage displays extreme old age. In this era, a man begins to lose his sensitive power. He becomes weak and loses his physical and mental faculties. This stage is described in the following lines.

Last scene of all, 

That ends this strange, eventful history, 

Is second childishness and mere oblivion, 

Sans teeth, sans eyes, sans taste, sans everything.

In conclusion, these stages show a man’s journey from birth to death. These Illustrate the different phases and changes a person experiences over time.