Journeys in Transit: Capturing Shakespeare’s Seven Ages Through the Metro’s Lens with a modern twist
In the bustling heart of the city, where the pulse of life reverberates through the concrete veins, I found myself contemplating the essence of human existence. It was within the metal confines of a metro carriage that I embarked on a journey of reflection, inspired by the timeless words of William Shakespeare in his celebrated poem, "The Seven Ages of Man.“
As I settled into the worn seat of the train, surrounded by a diverse mosaic of humanity, I couldn't help but marvel at the spectrum of lives unfolding before me. The metro, a modern-day chariot, carried passengers through the stages of life, each compartment echoing with whispers of Shakespearean verses.
The photo feature, born from the transient moments within the metro, became a visual chronicle of life's journey. Each photograph, a frozen fragment of time, captured the essence of Shakespeare's Seven Ages of Man, a poignant reminder that within the ceaseless movement of the metro, we find the tapestry of our shared humanity. The metro, a vessel of stories, carried its passengers through the stages of life, connecting us all in the grand theatre of existence.
The role of the lover is the third stage of life. He is young and foolish and falls passionately in love, singing a sad song about love in which he describes the beauty of a girl’s eyebrows.
In the fourth stage of life the man plays the role of the soldier. He has a beard, swears oaths and is ambitious to seek out honour. He is so keen to improve his reputation he is willing to risk dangers such as cannons in war.
In the fifth stage of life man plays the role of a justice or judge. He has grown fat from eating expensive meats. He uses his experience of life and the knowledge he has gained to offer what he thinks are wise sayings and advice and good decisions.
In the sixth stage of life the man becomes a pantaloon or weak old man. He is so thin his stockings become loose. The speech compares this stage of life to a return to being like a baby or child. Old men and small children both have high voices and are dependent on adults.
The seventh and final stage is extreme old age or a second childhood. Like babies very old men are dependent on others and have no teeth. The old man loses his memory, hearing and control of his senses before dying.
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