Here's a breakdown of its meaning:
* Second childishness: This refers to the state of decline and dependence that often accompanies old age. The elderly often lose their physical and mental abilities, becoming more like children in their needs and behavior.
* Mere oblivion: This refers to the ultimate end of life – death. It signifies a complete loss of consciousness and awareness, a state of nothingness.
The full quote from the play is:
> "The last scene of all,
> That ends this strange eventful history,
> Is second childishness and mere oblivion,
> Sans teeth, sans eyes, sans taste, sans everything."
Overall Meaning:
Jaques is describing the seven ages of man, and this quote refers to the final stage – old age and death. He paints a picture of the physical and mental deterioration that comes with aging, culminating in oblivion, the ultimate end of life.
It's a poignant reminder of the impermanence of life and the inevitability of death. The quote speaks to the cyclical nature of life, from childhood innocence to the return to a childlike state before oblivion.