One of the most overt themes in “Ode on a Distant Prospect of Eton College” involves the contrasting emotional experiences of childhood and adulthood. The first half of Gray's poem (Stanzas 1-5) mostly maintains a cheerful and positive tone while centering on the theme of childhood. Gray depicts children as active, carefree, witty, and “pure” (Line 49). Heavy emotions don’t encumber them, and dark feelings can't cloud the “sunshine of the breast” (Line 44). In the poem, childhood is an innocent, worry-free period.

As Stanza 6 approaches, the speaker moves on to the theme of adulthood. At this point, the tone turns stark, and the speaker introduces violent images, like “black Misfortune’s baleful train” (Line 57). In the poem, adulthood is a powerfully frightening experience. Adults appear unable to enjoy “thoughtless day[s]” and “easy night[s]” (Line 48). The comforts of childhood yield to the “comfortless Despair” (Line 69) of adult life. In the stanzas where the speaker addresses the theme of adult life, unpleasant words like “hideous” (Line 84) appear in abundance. The disquieting tone advances the speaker's belief that adulthood is a time full of challenges and despair.

The stark difference between the presentation of children and adults illustrates the tension and conflict between the two themes.