Old MEN when they scorn (seem) young make much of death

Insights

Denial of Aging

The proverb serves as a critique of denying the natural progression of life. By rejecting the wisdom and grace of their age, they engage in a self-defeating struggle that only highlights the finality they seek to escape.

Unnatural Behavior as Self-Harm

Acting unnaturally young is portrayed as a form of self-destruction. The strain and foolishness of such behavior can lead to a loss of dignity (social death) or accelerate physical decline (literal death).

Folly and Consequence

The proverb warns that foolish choices, particularly an old man pursuing youthful passions or vanities, have severe consequences. This 'making much of death' can mean becoming obsessed with it or recklessly inviting it.

Social Norms and Dignity

The proverb reflects a historical and cultural expectation that old age should be a time of dignity and wisdom, not a futile imitation of youth. In the 17th century, such behavior was often seen as a transgression against the natural order, inviting social ridicule and moral condemnation.

Psychology of Denial

This proverb captures the psychological paradox of denying one's age. The frantic effort to appear young is often fueled by a deep-seated fear of mortality, yet ironically, these very actions make the person's age and eventual death more conspicuous.

Literary Archetype

The theme of the foolish old man ('senex amans') who inappropriately pursues youth or love is a recurring trope in literature, from Chaucer's 'The Merchant's Tale' to commedia dell'arte. The proverb encapsulates this timeless warning against age-inappropriate folly.

Rhetorical Devices

Irony

The central irony is that the attempt to embrace life by appearing young is the very thing that brings one closer to death, both in the eyes of society and potentially in reality.

Antithesis

The proverb creates a stark contrast between the concepts of 'young' vitality and the ultimate finality of 'death', emphasizing the folly of trying to bridge the two unnaturally.

Idiomatic Expression

The phrase 'make much of death' is a powerful idiom that can mean to treat something as important, to cause it to happen, or to become preoccupied by it, adding layers of meaning to the man's fate.