Ecclesiastical Sonnets - Part II. - XXVII - Imaginative Regrets

By William Wordsworth

Sonnet
Ah, why should we thus violate the charm Of noble hearts, with images that err Upon the course they run?—where’er they turn, The fatal shadow still doth chase them far; Ah! why should we, with phantom fears disarm The generous soul, and bid the hopes that rise From thought of ancient glories, cease to flow In streams of living beauty, and abide Their places in the eternal boundless show? Ah, why should human hopes thus dimly lie, When all are capable of joys to come? Even now, the voice of joy, the angel-train From the high Heaven, is heard; and, ever nigh, The eternal glories of the world are known.
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, Regrets, Imagination, Hopes
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 imaginative regrets that can cloud noble hearts. The poem questions why we allow fears and doubts to overshadow hope and beauty, encouraging a focus on the eternal glories that await and the joys that are yet to come.

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.