Ecclesiastical Sonnets - Part II. - XVII - Wicliffe

Author: William Wordsworth

Once more the Church is seized with sudden fear,
And at her call, England’s rejoicing throng
Throng the walls of Lutterworth. Wicliffe’s name,
He whose right hand, armed with the Holy Word,
Was first to set the struggling people free
From the dark vassalage of Roman thraldom;
That name he bore from fight to fight, where love
Of truth inspired each blow;—from tower to tower,
Till the last foe, before his feet, laid low,
With shame confessed his weakness, and retired
In desperate flight. But not with warlike skill
Did he accomplish all;—even his face
Could claim no victory. Who could withstand
Such calm austerity, or guard against
The fervent eloquence of lips so pure?
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Type of Poem: Sonnet

Date Written: 1822-01-01

Date Published: 1822-01-01

Language: English

Keywords: Ecclesiastical Sonnets, Reflection, Wicliffe, Church, Reformation

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 John Wycliffe, a key figure in the early Reformation. The poem highlights Wycliffe’s role in challenging the authority of the Roman Catholic Church and his efforts to bring religious freedom to the English people, emphasizing his courage, purity, and eloquence.

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.