Final answer:
The Poison Oracle likely provides older men power over younger men through control. This control can stem from traditional respect for the elderly, which in early societies was part of a gerontocratic social structure. However, respect may wane, and the elderly could use means like the Poison Oracle to assert control and maintain power.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Poison Oracle gives older men power over younger men largely because of control. This can be related to the concept of gerontocracy, where power is held by the eldest members of the community. The ability of older individuals to control or influence can be born from various factors such as the possession of wisdom, the ability to instill fear, the inherent respect that comes with age, and the possibility of bestowing a large inheritance. However, in the context of the Poison Oracle, control seems to be the overarching factor.
In ancient societies, the elderly were often viewed with reverence and their advice was sought due to their vast knowledge and experience. However, this respect has evolved, and in some cases, older individuals may utilize instruments such as the Poison Oracle to maintain a grip on the younger generation, leveraging it to assert dominance or command obedience, possibly due to the declining influence of more traditional forms of reverence.
Nevertheless, this dynamic is complex, and perceptions of the elderly can also be negative. For example, Roman descriptions of elderly women associated with magic portrayed them negatively, indicating a kind of 'othering' and suggesting that respect for the elderly is not a given and can be influenced by cultural narratives and societal structures.