Stylistic Analysis of the Poem “Staff of Old Age” by Hafeez Jalandhari

Abstract

Aim of the Study: The study aims to highlight different literary aspects of the poem “Staff of Old Age” by Hafeez Jalandhari. Stylistic Analysis was conducted in order analyze the text to identify the use of literary language and its impact on the reader. The poem is an illustration of Coming of Age and passing of Adolescence. The author warns the youth to refrain from frenzy and desires of life. He also requests them to make provisions for the life ahead as soon the light of worldly will fade away. The poem is an advice to the reader that life is like a journey which, will come to an end and the traveler will not know when the last stop is coming.

Methodology: The analysis of the poem is conducted by using qualitative research method. The data was collected and analyzed qualitatively. Critical case sampling technique was used to determine the sample of the text. Content-analytic framework was adopted from Leech & Short model (1981).

Findings: The findings of the research show that the poem is ironic because it points out the horrors of Old Age and what is the actual message of life, which people have forgotten. It is symbolic in nature as it compares old age to autumn season in which all the trees shed their leaves and all the plants become dead. He addresses the Youth to be prepared before the life ends and invest themselves for the betterment of others.

Conclusion: The results obtained from the study after conducting stylistic analysis of the poem highlight the symbolic view of life which should not be wasted in lustrous wants.