Understanding W.B. Yeats's 'A Prayer for Old Age' Poem

The question asks us to analyze the second stanza of W.B. Yeats's poem 'A Prayer for Old Age' and determine what the poet is thinking about in this part of the poem.

Let's look at the second stanza again:

From all that makes a wise old man
That can be praised of all;
O what am I that I should not seem
For the song's sake a fool?

In this stanza, the poet is contrasting two ideas. The first two lines describe the characteristics of a conventional "wise old man" who is universally admired ("praised of all"). This wise old man represents a certain kind of respectable, perhaps predictable, way of aging. The last two lines express the poet's desire or contemplation of appearing as "a fool" for the sake of his "song," which represents his art or poetry.

The phrase "From all that makes a wise old man..." can be interpreted as the poet considering these qualities and wishing to be guarded *from* them, as mentioned in the first stanza ("God guard me from those thoughts..."). The rhetorical question "O what am I that I should not seem For the song's sake a fool?" suggests a rejection of the conventional wise old man persona in favour of something less respectable but perhaps more authentic to his artistic purpose.

Therefore, the poet is thinking about the traits of a wise, praised old man and implicitly rejecting them. He is contemplating what he *does not* want to become or appear as in his old age, contrasting it with his desired state of appearing foolish for his art.

Analyzing the Options

Let's evaluate the given options based on our understanding of the second stanza:

1. what all makes a wise old man.
2. what all earns all others’ praise.
3. what he does not want to appear.
4. what he thinks he is, a fool.

Analysis of Option 1: The stanza does mention the qualities that make a "wise old man," but it does so in the context of contrasting this with his own desired appearance. It's not merely a neutral thought about what makes a wise old man, but rather a consideration of traits he wishes to avoid.

Analysis of Option 2: Similarly, the stanza mentions what earns praise, but this is linked to the "wise old man" persona that the poet seems to be rejecting. Thinking about what earns praise is secondary to the primary thought of rejecting that praised persona.

Analysis of Option 3: This option aligns well with the core idea of the stanza. The poet thinks about the conventional image of a wise, praised old man and contrasts it with his preference to appear foolish for his art. He is contemplating precisely the kind of person he *does not* want to appear as in his old age.

Analysis of Option 4: The stanza asks why he *should not seem* a fool for his song's sake. This is a question about *appearing* foolish, not a statement about *thinking he is* a fool. The emphasis is on the external perception relative to his artistic pursuit, not an internal self-assessment of his intelligence.

Comparing the options, option 3 most accurately reflects the poet's contemplation in the second stanza. He considers the characteristics of the wise, praised old man as something he wishes to avoid, preferring a different path for the sake of his art.

Conclusion

Based on the detailed analysis of the second stanza, the poet thinks of what he does not want to appear, contrasting the conventional wise old man with his desired appearance of a foolish, passionate man for the sake of his artistic expression.

Revision Table: Key Concepts from the Stanza

Additional Information: Themes in 'A Prayer for Old Age'

W.B. Yeats's 'A Prayer for Old Age' explores themes common in his later work, particularly the challenges and desires associated with aging. Some key aspects include:

• Mind vs. Body: The first stanza distinguishes between thoughts conceived "in the mind alone" and those rooted in the physical being ("marrow-bone"), suggesting a preference for a more visceral, embodied creativity even in old age.
• Artistic Integrity vs. Convention: The poem highlights the tension between conforming to societal expectations of what a "wise old man" should be (respectable, praised) and maintaining artistic passion and freedom, even if it means appearing unconventional or "foolish."
• Passion in Old Age: Yeats often wrote about the desire to maintain physical and emotional intensity despite physical decline. The prayer to remain "A foolish, passionate man" reflects a wish to retain vital energy and dedication to art rather than settling into calm, detached wisdom.
• Prayer as Theme: The poem is framed as a prayer, indicating a heartfelt plea for spiritual or personal outcome in the face of aging.

The second stanza specifically focuses on the rejection of the conventional, praised image of the wise old man as a crucial part of this prayer for a particular kind of old age – one defined by passion and dedication to art, even at the cost of appearing foolish.