Question

Which metaphor for aging does Shakespeare use in sonnet 73? A. Air B. Choirs C. Birds D. Autumn

Answer 1

D) Autumn

The poem states, "When yellow leaves, or none, or few, do hang
Upon those boughs which shake against the cold...Death's second self, that seals up all in rest. In me thou see'st the glowing of such fire
That on the ashes of his youth doth lie"

Answer 2

The correct answer is option D. Autumn.

The line 'When yellow leaves, or none, or few, do hang Upon those boughs' states the presence of a few leaf on the branch of tree, by this line, the poet want to convey the message of the dullness of the old-age, which is similar to the autumn trees.

The line 'which shake against the cold' further confirms the autumn season, as in autumn season, the tree shed their leaves and a few leaves are left and that to are pale and faded. Also, through this line, the shaking of the leaves signify the difficulties in handling the situations during old age.