CBSE Class 9 English Chapter 10: The Seven Ages NCERT Solutions

Reviewed by NCERT Help Editorial Team · Updated on 29 Jul 2026

NCERT Solutions PDF Class 9 PDF

CBSE Class 9 English Literature Reader Chapter 10, 'The Seven Ages', offers comprehensive solutions to understanding William Shakespeare's iconic monologue. This piece famously likens the world to a stage and human existence to a dramatic performance unfolding in seven distinct phases. The solutions meticulously break down the poem's rich literary tapestry, explaining key figures of speech such as the extended metaphor 'All the world's a stage' and similes like 'sighing like furnace'. Students will gain insights into the poem's profound exploration of life's fleeting nature and the varied roles individuals assume as they progress through different stages of life. Mastering these solutions is vital for grasping poetic techniques and the philosophical depth embedded in Shakespeare's writing, thereby strengthening exam readiness with clear explanations and well-organized answers.

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Board	CBSE
Class	Class 9
Subject	English Literature Reader
Session	2026
Language	English
Type	NCERT Solutions
Chapter	Chapter 10

Chapter summary

This chapter's NCERT Solutions for Class 9 English focus on William Shakespeare's 'The Seven Ages'. The solutions break down the poem's central metaphor comparing the world to a stage and human life to a play. They explain the literary devices used, including extended metaphors and similes, and analyze the seven distinct stages of human life as depicted by Shakespeare. The exercises encourage students to identify these devices and reflect on the poem's themes of life's transience and the roles we play.

Learning outcomes

Understand the central metaphor of the world as a stage from Shakespeare's 'The Seven Ages'.
Identify and explain the use of extended metaphors and similes in the poem.
Analyze the seven distinct stages of human life as presented in the poem.
Appreciate the theme of the transience of human life.
Compare and contrast life with other natural phenomena like seasons.

Topics covered

Paper topics

The Seven Ages of Man
Extended Metaphor
Simile
William Shakespeare
Analysis of Poetry
Stages of Human Life
Transience of Life
Literary Devices
World as a Stage Metaphor
Poetic Interpretation

Important topics

The Seven Ages of Man
Extended Metaphor: World as a Stage
Similes used in the poem
Stages of Human Life
Theme of Life's Transience

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Questions and Solutions

Q1

All the world is a stage is an extended metaphor for-

(i) The life shown in well known plays

(ii) Seeing the well known plays

(iii) Life of well known plays

(iv) Life of man that comes to an end

Solution: The statement 'All the world is a stage' is a famous extended metaphor from William Shakespeare's monologue. It compares the entire world to a theatrical stage where all human beings are actors. The metaphor suggests that life is transient and that each person plays various roles throughout their existence, ultimately ending with death. Therefore, this metaphor specifically refers to the life of man, which has a definite beginning and an end.

The correct option is (iv) Life of man that comes to an end.

Q2

All 'have their exits and their entrances' Exits and entrances refer to

(i) Birth and death

(ii) Beginning and end of play

(iii) Coming and going of actors

(iv) The end of the Shakespearean era

Solution: In the context of Shakespeare's monologue, the phrases 'exits and entrances' are used metaphorically. 'Entrances' symbolize the beginning of a person's life, which is birth, when they enter the world stage. Conversely, 'exits' symbolize the end of a person's life, which is death, when they leave the world stage. This reflects the cyclical nature of life and the finite time each individual spends on earth.

The correct option is (i) Birth and death.

Q3

The seven roles that a man plays correspond to his_

(i) chronological age in life

(ii) desires

(iii) mental age in life

(iv) idea of a perfect life

Solution: William Shakespeare, in his famous monologue, outlines seven distinct stages or roles that a man experiences throughout his life. These stages are presented in a specific sequence, directly correlating with the progression of a person's age from infancy to old age. Each role represents a different phase of human development and experience, tied to the individual's chronological journey through life.

The correct option is (i) chronological age in life.

Q4

_____all the men and women merely players They have their exits and their entrances ______.

Solution: These lines are from William Shakespeare's renowned monologue, 'The Seven Ages'. The poet uses an extended metaphor, comparing the world to a stage and all individuals to actors. The full lines are: 'All the world's a stage, And all the men and women merely players; They have their exits and their entrances'. This imagery emphasizes the transient nature of human life, where birth signifies an entrance onto the stage of life, and death signifies an exit.

Q5

And then the lover Sighing like furnace_____.

Solution: These lines are from Shakespeare's 'The Seven Ages'. They describe the stage of a young lover. The simile 'Sighing like furnace' vividly portrays the intensity and passion of young love, comparing the lover's deep sighs to the hot, powerful exhalations of a furnace. This simile highlights the overwhelming emotions experienced during this phase of life, suggesting a burning passion that is characteristic of adolescence and early adulthood.

Q6

Read the poem again and note down the metaphors and similes. Copy and complete the following chart.

Item Metaphor Simile

World All the world's a stage Men, women school-boy lover soldier reputation voice

Which comparison(s) do you find most interesting? Why?

Solution: Here is the completed chart identifying the metaphors and similes used in the poem 'The Seven Ages':

Item | Metaphor | Simile

World | All the world's a stage | -

Men and women | merely players | -

School-boy | - | Creeping like snail

Lover | - | Sighing like a furnace

Soldier | - | (Implied comparison to a 'bearded pard' for fierceness, though not a direct simile)

Reputation | Bubble | -

Voice | Big manly voice | -

Regarding the most interesting comparison, this is subjective. For instance, the comparison of the world to a stage is profoundly interesting because it frames human existence as a performance, highlighting the roles we play and the transient nature of our time. The simile of the lover 'sighing like furnace' is also striking for its intensity, capturing the passionate, almost overwhelming nature of young love.

Q7

In this poem, life is compared with a play. Just as in a play, a man acts many parts, so also in life, a man plays many roles. Can you think of some other comparison for life? (For example, life could be compared with the seasons in nature, the days of the week, the lessons in a school day). Select one of these comparisons (or choose one of your own), and write about the similarities that life has with it. (80-100 words)

Solution: Human life can indeed be effectively compared to the changing seasons in nature, as each phase of life mirrors the distinct characteristics of a particular season. Childhood, with its freshness and new beginnings, resembles spring. Youth, full of energy and vibrancy, is akin to summer. Middle age, marked by maturity and fruition, can be compared to autumn when fruits ripen. Finally, old age, often characterized by a slowing down and reflection, is like winter, a period of rest and quietude. Just as seasons transition and follow a natural cycle, life progresses through distinct stages, each with its unique experiences, emotions, and challenges, before eventually concluding.

Common mistakes

Confusing metaphors with similes.
Misinterpreting the meaning of 'exits and entrances' in the context of the poem.
Failing to connect the seven ages to chronological progression.
Not fully grasping the concept of life's transience as depicted.

Revision tips

Reread the poem 'The Seven Ages' carefully, paying attention to Shakespeare's imagery.
Create flashcards for key metaphors and similes and their meanings.
Practice explaining the seven stages of life in your own words.
Discuss the comparison of life with a play and other potential comparisons with classmates.

Practice MCQs

Q1. What does the phrase 'All the world's a stage' primarily suggest?

Q2. In the poem, 'exits and entrances' are a metaphor for:

Q3. The seven roles mentioned in the poem correspond to:

Q4. Which simile is used to describe a lover in the poem?

Q5. The metaphor 'reputation' as a 'bubble' suggests:

Frequently asked questions

What is the main theme of Chapter 10, 'The Seven Ages'?

The main theme of Chapter 10, 'The Seven Ages', is the comparison of the world to a stage and human life to a play, with individuals acting out seven distinct roles throughout their lives, highlighting the transience of human existence.

What literary devices are prominent in 'The Seven Ages'?

The poem prominently features an extended metaphor (the world as a stage) and various similes, such as 'sighing like furnace' and 'Creeping like snail', to describe the different stages of life.

How do the NCERT Solutions for this chapter help students?

These solutions help students understand the poem's complex metaphors and similes, analyze the seven stages of life, and grasp the underlying themes, providing clear explanations and structured answers for better comprehension and exam revision.

What does 'exits and entrances' symbolize in the poem?

In the context of the poem, 'exits and entrances' symbolize birth (entrances) and death (exits) of human beings, marking the beginning and end of their 'play' on the world stage.

Can life be compared to anything other than a play, as suggested in the exercises?

Yes, the exercises suggest other comparisons for life, such as seasons, days of the week, or lessons in a school day, encouraging students to explore different analogies and understand life's phases through various perspectives.

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