Analysis of Sir John Betjeman's 5 O'Clock Shadow

In Sir John Betjeman’s poem, “5 O’clock Shadow”, imagery and figurative language creates a complex tone of hopelessness, revealing the fear of dying alone. From the first line, the speaker is revealed as a male and he is forced to stay in the “men’s ward” located in a hospital. It is evening because the poem portrays a sense of departure; from the doctor’s who have left to play golf to the “loving family” who has gone home to enjoy tea and television. The “shadow” is implying a deeper, figurative meaning. A shadow is “to cast a gloom or darkness” while it can also be used “to shelter and protect”. The man is left alone and “betrayed” once everyone has left. There is no light to look at or believe in, the only thing left is darkness, which is what a shadow can represent. It is also ironic that a shadow is meant to provide protection because once the doctors and family members have left; the speaker is left to fend for himself. When the car engines are revving, it has provided an auditory sense, which enhances the image and allows the reader to be placed in reality. A car engine “revving” or “starting up” portrays a new beginning. The car must start before it’s allowed to venture on its path. However, because the speaker is trapped in this hospital room, he will never be able to be revved up, or go anywhere outside of those walls. In addition, “changing gears” refers to the change between life on earth and life after death. Throughout the poem, the man is left hopeless, awaiting his death, as everyone else carries on with their daily lives. When he dies in the hospital and the doctor rushes to his room with 3 nurses. They represent the trinity; God, the Holy Spirit, Jesus and Satan, who all come for his soul. The roses represent his casket with flowers around it. Afterwards, he looks from inside the casket and sees his loved ones. The Reverend then marks the transition of the man’s soul or from life to death. The man feels terrified about death “the endless