This is an analysis of the poem The Petit Vieux that begins with:

"Sow your wild oats in your youth," so we're always told;
But I say with deeper sooth: "Sow them when you're old."...

Elements of the verse: questions and answers

The information we provided is prepared by means of a special computer program. Use the criteria sheet to understand greatest poems or improve your poetry analysis essay.

  • Rhyme scheme:
  • Stanza lengths (in strings):
  • Closest metre:
  • Сlosest rhyme:
  • Сlosest stanza type:
  • Guessed form:
  • Metre:
  • Amount of stanzas: 4
  • Average number of symbols per stanza: 269
  • Average number of words per stanza: 48
  • Amount of lines: 20
  • Average number of symbols per line: 53 (very long strings)
  • Average number of words per line: 10
  • Mood of the speaker:

    There are many exclamation marks in the poem. The speaker is excited. He or she has strong feelings on the subject that is described in the poem.

  • The author used lexical repetitions to emphasize a significant image; their, at, sow, you're are repeated.

If you write a school or university poetry essay, you should Include in your explanation of the poem:

  • summary of The Petit Vieux;
  • central theme;
  • idea of the verse;
  • history of its creation;
  • critical appreciation.

Good luck in your poetry interpretation practice!

More information about poems by Robert William Service