Ecclesiastical Sonnets - Part II. - XXI - Dissolution Of The Monasteries

By William Wordsworth

Sonnet
How sweet, amid the golden hour of day, To wander by some ruin’s silent wall, Or hear the tinkling of the sheep-bell’s lay In some far glen, where peace and joy are all! But where the flocks now roam in careless play, Or where the ploughman whistles to his team, The sacred Fane is gone, the sacred Day Of the lone Chapel, too, has ceased to beam. And all those holy rites, to Heaven dear, And all those Saints, to whom the tortured throng Looked up with fervent faith in suffering’s hour, No longer speak their comforting song. But vain the wish to weep for these—the power That could dissolve them, left no pious tear.
Written: 1822-01-01

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Poem Details

Date Written: 1822-01-01
Date Published: 1822-01-01
Language: English
Keywords: Ecclesiastical Sonnets, Reflection, Monasteries, Dissolution, Faith
Source: Public Domain Collection
Publisher: W.Wordsworth
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
A sonnet from Part II of the Ecclesiastical Sonnets series where Wordsworth reflects on the dissolution of the monasteries. The poem laments the loss of sacred spaces and the end of holy rites, expressing sorrow for the spiritual void left behind, but acknowledging the futility of mourning for what is irretrievably gone.

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.