Poem Analysis - The Seven Ages Of Wise

A Satirical Journey Through Political Life

Banjo Paterson's "The Seven Ages of Wise" is a sharply satirical take on the career of a politician, drawing a parallel between the stages of life and the phases of a political career. The poem adopts a cynical and mocking tone, dissecting the ambition, opportunism, and eventual decline of its subject. The mood is consistently critical, laced with irony, and the poem offers a bleak view of political integrity. It unfolds as a progression, charting a trajectory from youthful promise to eventual insignificance, leaving the reader with a sense of disillusionment.

Paterson's Perspective: Australian Identity and Social Commentary

Although specific historical context or details about Banjo Paterson's intentions regarding the poem are unavailable, it's reasonable to assume that the poem reflects a broader concern about political behavior and ethics within Australian society at the time of writing. Paterson, known for his bush ballads celebrating Australian identity and resilience, might have been using satire to critique the perceived corruption and self-serving nature of political figures, a theme that resonates regardless of specific historical details. He captures a certain sense of the political environment and its sometimes corrupting influence.

The Shifting Sands of Ambition and Betrayal

One prominent theme in "The Seven Ages of Wise" is the corrosive nature of unchecked ambition. From the "Runner" obsessed with winning to the "youthful member" climbing the ranks and the "bravo" willing to stab his friends in the back, the poem highlights how ambition can lead to unethical and self-serving actions. Another central theme is political opportunism, powerfully illustrated by the sudden change where Wise becomes "once more a child, he comes with quick-turned coat". This symbolizes a willingness to abandon principles for personal gain, a recurring motif in the depiction of his career. Finally, the poem explores the theme of the fleeting nature of power and influence. The final stage, "sans place, sans power, sans pay, sans everything," starkly contrasts with the earlier ambition, revealing the ultimate insignificance that awaits those who prioritize personal gain over genuine contribution.

Symbols of Transformation and Decline

The image of the "quick-turned coat" is a particularly potent symbol, representing the ease with which politicians can reverse their positions and principles to suit their current needs. It underscores the theme of opportunism and the lack of genuine conviction. The "cinder track" in the first stage is also interesting. While it refers to a running race, it also suggests a predetermined path, a metaphorical race towards power where the "runner" only runs straight "just for once," implying that honesty is an anomaly. The final image of "oblivion" is a chilling symbol of the eventual fate awaiting those who pursue power without substance, an emptiness that stands in stark contrast to the earlier stages of ambition and activity.

A Final Curtain Call for Political Hypocrisy

"The Seven Ages of Wise" is a bleak but insightful commentary on the potential pitfalls of political life. Through vivid imagery and a consistently satirical tone, Paterson critiques the ambition, opportunism, and ultimate insignificance that can plague those who prioritize personal gain over genuine service. The poem’s lasting significance lies in its ability to raise questions about political integrity and the cyclical nature of power and decline, offering a cynical but ultimately cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked ambition in the pursuit of political success. The poem's universality comes from its ability to portray, in a humorous yet dark way, the perceived flaws within political circles, making it a relevant read even today.