An Idyll of Old Age by Robert Graves

Name: An Idyll of Old Age
Author: Robert Graves

The narrative unfolds around an elderly couple, Philemon and Baucis, who embody a deep yet complex bond. Their relationship is tested as they engage in a candid conversation about love, fidelity, and the nature of desire. The couple reflects on their past, revealing a longing for youthful passion and the allure of new romantic experiences. Philemon expresses a philosophical view on love, suggesting that the soul can find fulfillment outside of traditional boundaries, while Baucis acknowledges her own fleeting attractions to younger men. They both grant each other the freedom to explore love beyond their marriage, believing that such experiences could enrich their lives without diminishing their bond. As they converse, two gods, Hermes and Zeus, eavesdrop on their intimate exchange. Zeus is taken aback by the couple's unconventional agreement, while Hermes understands the deeper emotional connection that binds them. Despite their discussions of infidelity, the gods recognize that Philemon and Baucis are intrinsically linked, their love transcending mere physical attraction. The story juxtaposes the couple's current frailty with their youthful desires, highlighting the contrast between the vigor of youth and the limitations of old age. The gods, oblivious to the nuances of human emotion, fail to grasp the profound loyalty that exists between the couple, even as they contemplate the idea of extramarital relationships. Ultimately, the narrative explores themes of love, aging, and the complexities of human relationships, suggesting that true connection endures despite the passage of time and the physical decline that accompanies it. The couple's dialogue serves as a meditation on the nature of love, fidelity, and the human experience, revealing that even in old age, the heart remains capable of longing and connection.

By Robert Graves · First published 1940 · Genre: Poetry, Philosophical Fiction, Mythological · 709 words

First lines

Two gods once visited a hermit couple, Philemon and his Baucis, old books tell; They sampled elder-wine and called it nectar, Though nectar is the tastier drink by far. They made ambrosia of pot-herb and lentil, They ate pease-porridge even, with a will. Why, and so forth. But that night in the spare bedroom Where they lay shivering in the musty gloom, Hermes and Zeus overheard conversation, Behind the intervening wall, drag on In thoughtful snatches through the night. They idly Listened, and first they heard Philemon sigh: --

What this Textopian page supports

An Idyll of Old Age is listed on Textopian as a short story by Robert Graves, dated 1940 CE.

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Work type: Short story
Author: Robert Graves
Date: 1940 CE
Language: English
Genres: Poetry, Philosophical Fiction, Mythological, Romance, Literary Fiction
Length: 709 words
Structure: 1 section, 9 paragraphs
Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)

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Genres

Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing poetic devices and structure.
Philosophical Fiction — The themes explore deep philosophical questions about love, fidelity, and the nature of relationships.
Mythological — The narrative incorporates elements of mythology, referencing gods and ancient tales.
Romance — The exploration of love and relationships is central to the plot.