Origins in Shakespeare's “Seven Ages of Man”
To understand what is the second childhood according to Shakespeare, one must look to the famous monologue from his play As You Like It. In Act II, Scene VII, the melancholy character Jaques delivers a speech beginning with the line, “All the world’s a stage, and all the men and women merely players”. He then proceeds to outline the seven distinct stages, or 'ages,' of a man's life, from birth to death. This vivid and often-quoted passage uses theatrical imagery to frame human existence, portraying life as a performance with a series of entrances and exits.
Jaques' speech chronicles the progression of a man from a helpless infant to a whining schoolboy, a sighing lover, a hot-headed soldier, and a wise justice. The journey then moves into physical and mental decline, culminating in the final, somber stage of "second childishness". This poetic description is not a celebration of old age, but a cynical and poignant reflection on life's inevitable decay and conclusion. The tone of the monologue, delivered by the cynical Jaques, is intentionally pessimistic, offering a bleak, circular view of human existence that ends where it began: in a state of utter vulnerability.
The Final Scene: "Second Childishness and Mere Oblivion"
The climax of Jaques's monologue is his description of the final stage, which he calls "second childishness and mere oblivion". The phrase is a powerful metaphor for the body and mind's complete deterioration in extreme old age. The language used by Shakespeare highlights a profound sense of loss, as the aging individual loses their core faculties. The line that follows is perhaps the most striking and memorable:
- "Sans teeth, sans eyes, sans taste, sans everything."
The use of the French word "sans" (meaning "without") in this final line emphasizes the stripping away of all sensory and physical abilities. This echoes the helplessness of the first stage, where the infant is dependent on others, creating a full-circle narrative. The ultimate destination is "mere oblivion"—a state of nothingness where the individual is completely unaware and, for all intents and purposes, forgotten. This grim portrait contrasts sharply with modern, more nuanced perspectives on aging but was a potent reminder of mortality in Elizabethan times.
Comparing Infancy and "Second Childishness"
Shakespeare deliberately parallels the beginning and end of life to underscore its cyclical and ultimately futile nature. While a modern reader might find Jaques's view cruel, it speaks to the shared human experience of dependence.
- Infancy: In the first stage, the baby is "mewling and puking in the nurse's arms". This is a time of potential, though it is marked by complete dependency, lack of teeth, and underdeveloped senses. The dependency here is a natural, expected part of development, full of promise.
- Second Childishness: The final stage mirrors this state, but with a tragic irony. The elderly person's return to a childlike state is a result of decline, not growth. Their voice returns to a high-pitched "childish treble", and they lose their faculties just as they did not yet have them as an infant. The dependency is not a beginning but an end.
| Aspect | Infancy | Second Childishness |
|---|---|---|
| Stage | First of the seven ages | Seventh (final) of the seven ages |
| Physical State | Helpless, lacking teeth and developed senses, crying for attention | Helpless, "sans teeth, sans eyes, sans taste, sans everything" |
| Voice | "Mewling and puking" | "Childish treble, pipes and whistles" |
| Context | Beginning of life, period of growth and development | End of life, period of decline and decay |
| Outlook | Full of potential and promise | Approaching oblivion and nothingness |
Modern Perspectives on Shakespeare's View of Aging
While Shakespeare’s description of "second childishness" was socially accepted in the Elizabethan era, modern society offers a more sensitive and humane perspective on aging. We now understand that extreme old age is not a homogenous experience. While some may face cognitive and physical decline, many seniors live vibrant, fulfilling lives well into their later years. Modern interpretations often separate the physical decline from the potential for renewed spirit and childlike wonder.
However, the core metaphor of a return to dependency remains relevant. Caregivers today face the same challenges of attending to the needs of the elderly as nurses did for infants in Shakespeare's day, though with far greater medical understanding and resources. The conversation around aging has shifted from a grim, inevitable decline to a focus on maximizing quality of life, preserving dignity, and finding joy in every stage. Shakespeare's words, though harsh, still serve as a powerful historical reminder of the challenges of aging and the cyclical nature of life.
To learn more about the complete monologue, visit the Poetry Foundation's Speech: “All the world’s a stage”.
Conclusion: A Timeless Metaphor
Ultimately, the enduring power of Shakespeare’s monologue lies in its ability to spark reflection on the human condition. What is the second childhood according to Shakespeare is a bleak but timeless reminder that life's journey ends in the same vulnerable state in which it began. While we have moved past the notion of aging as simply a descent into oblivion, the themes of transience, dependency, and the finality of existence continue to resonate. For modern senior care, it's a call to action—to ensure that the final act is not one of mere oblivion but of dignity, respect, and compassionate support, moving beyond the cynical worldview of Jaques towards a more hopeful and empathetic perspective.
