'The Old woman' by Joseph Campbell

                     -Joseph Campbell

 

 Introduction : 

                         The poem "The Old woman" is written by Joseph Campbell. The poem is divided in to three stanza. The meaning of the poem is deeper than any romantic poem. The poem is very simple and realistic poem.

                     

                         It is very natural to see beauty in young woman, but it is very understanding to describe the beauty of old woman. It requires great imagine power to see beauty in old age. The poet has given the description of old lady by different comparison.

Analysis of the poem : 

                                        In the first stanza the poet compares the old lady with the white candle. White colour is symbol of peace and candle is symbol of light. The old woman is like white candle. She is in peace and she gives other people light by her experience.  

               

                         "As a white candle 

                            In a holy place."     

       
                It is the symbol of holy figer. Like wise the old lady's face compared with the white candle. Moreover, white candle is a symbol of beauty. The poem find beauty In her face.  

                In the second stanza the poet compares the old lady with the spent radiance of the winter's sun. It refers old woman's long life. Through her life she has gathered a wide experience of life. Moreover, at the sunshine and the sunset looks beautiful due to radiance. Poet says that,
                     
            "A woman with her travail done."

             In the final stanza the poet compares the old woman with the ruined water of the mill. Here the same position for the old lady. Her thoughts are still as ruined Waters of the mills. It suggests steadiness and maturity in the life of old lady.

      So, In this poem Campbell has described old woman's beauty, experience and emotion.