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Poetry · Chapter
A Warning explained
Age warns Youth to slow down, as the journey to old age is short, but Youth ignores the warning and continues onward.
What happens
Age warns Youth to slow down, as the journey to old age is short, but Youth ignores the warning and continues onward.
Themes in this chapter
Mortality and Regret
The poem's warning from Age to Youth about the brevity of life underscores the theme of mortality and the regret that may follow unheeded advice.
Key passages
“A Warning Cried Age to Youth: “Abate your speed!— The distance hither’s brief indeed.” But Youth pressed on without delay— The shout had reached but half the way.”
Age warns Youth to slow down because the journey to old age is short, but Youth ignores the warning and continues rushing forward.
The poem illustrates the futility of warning the young about the swift passage of time.