This Bachelor's Thesis discusses the attitude towards ageing and old age in two novels, namely The Lady in Blue by Noëlle Châtelet and Intimacy by Gabriela Babnik. Although Intimacy seemingly deals with the problem of racism, much more complex issues are at play in the background which shed light on the intimate world of the heroes. It is obvious that Babnik deals with the subject of ageing and old age which is most apparent in Tibor who is transitioning from middle age to old age but clings to youth through his young lover Amina. Tibor's fear of ageing stems mainly from his fear of death which he develops upon the loss of his daughter Izabela. In contrast to Tibor, Châtelet's heroine Solange tries to escape her life by seeking refuge in old age. The novel is an ode to ageing and old age, and is neither an ironic nor illusory depiction of the subject matter, but rather a sincere and masterful confession. For a more comprehensive overview of the subject of ageing and old age, the Bachelor's Thesis will take into consideration the ideas of Greek philosophers and other works of literature which address the subject matter. In so doing, it will draw on Helen Small's monograph The Long Life. Also of interest will be the ideas developed in two other works, namely The Methuselah Conspiracy by Frank Schirrmacher, a German publisher and editor, and Being Mortal by Atul Gawande, a distinguished American surgeon and author.
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