Ecclesiastical Sonnets - Part II. - XXIII - Continued

Author: William Wordsworth

The time has come when he, who slowly trails
His plough along the mountain-side, or moor,
Stained with the marks of furrows, is no more
He whom oppression’s iron hand constrains.
Too long has man, by legal bonds restrained,
Toiled through the day to earn his scanty fare.
The feeble cry of suffering, the strong prayer,
The bitter tears by children vainly shed,
With wrongs too deep for thought, all, all are there,
Sunk in a hopeless grave, with no relief
For those who still are doomed to linger on.
And oh! shall never peace again be won?
Shall the oppressed no more have place to flee,
But toil for the hard hand that holds them fast,
And work through their own day’s darkness, and their last?
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Type of Poem: Sonnet

Date Written: 1822-01-01

Date Published: 1822-01-01

Language: English

Keywords: Ecclesiastical Sonnets, Reflection, Oppression, Toil, Relief

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 continued suffering and oppression of the laboring classes. The poem expresses deep sorrow for the plight of those who toil under harsh conditions, questioning whether peace and relief will ever be attainable for the oppressed.

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.