Ecclesiastical Sonnets - Part II. - XIX - Abuse Of Monastic Power

Author: William Wordsworth

And what is Penance with her knotted thong?
What is Remorse with all its heart of pain?
Alas! this Monkish discipline, so long
The boast of pious men, could not sustain
The human heart in her dire hour of woe;
These offices of soul-subduing thought,
Though not less holy, they were all too slow
For the stern trial of God’s righteous lot;
Therefore, the sufferer, with the veil, must claim
The flagellated bondsman’s iron chain;
These iron chains do rankle on the breast,
And the afflicted spirit, worse oppressed,
Too late he learns that suffering is in vain,
And seeks his freedom in a desert cave.
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Type of Poem: Sonnet

Date Written: 1822-01-01

Date Published: 1822-01-01

Language: English

Keywords: Ecclesiastical Sonnets, Reflection, Monastic Power, Penance, Remorse

Source: Public Domain Collection

Publisher: W.Wordsworth

Rights/Permissions: Public Domain

Comments/Notes: A sonnet from Part II of the Ecclesiastical Sonnets series where Wordsworth reflects on the abuse of monastic power and the ineffectiveness of harsh penance. The poem critiques the extreme measures of monastic discipline, suggesting that they fail to provide true spiritual relief, leading the sufferer to seek freedom elsewhere.

Understanding the Sonnet

The sonnet is one of the most enduring and celebrated forms of poetry, known for its strict structure and profound themes. With a history spanning centuries, sonnets have been used to explore love, beauty, politics, and mortality, all within the confines of just 14 lines.

Sonnets are characterized by their precise form and rhyme scheme, which vary depending on the type of sonnet. Here’s a closer look:

  • Shakespearean (English) Sonnet: Composed of three quatrains followed by a final couplet, with a rhyme scheme of ABABCDCDEFEFGG. This form often builds a complex argument or narrative, culminating in a powerful closing statement.
  • Petrarchan (Italian) Sonnet: Divided into an octave (eight lines) and a sestet (six lines), with a typical rhyme scheme of ABBAABBA for the octave, followed by various patterns in the sestet such as CDECDE or CDCDCD. The octave usually presents a problem, with the sestet providing a resolution.
  • Meter: Sonnets are traditionally written in iambic pentameter, which gives the poem a rhythmic and melodic quality that enhances its emotional impact.

The sonnet’s enduring appeal lies in its ability to condense complex emotions and ideas into a small but potent package, making it a favorite form for poets seeking to explore profound themes with precision and elegance.