Ecclesiastical Sonnets - Part II. - XXX - The Point At Issue

By William Wordsworth

Sonnet
The point at issue comes:—the temperate state, The virtuous order, all the will of man Must needs be ratified by God’s own hand, Who gave to earth the Mission and the Call Of all her churches; then, upon that shore Where Christ was born, began the covenant, And blessed the people’s lives, to whom it gave Faith, hope, and love, in measure full and free. But they who would this heritage divide, Who with unholy license grasp at will, Are little aware of what they do;—they cast Their own souls into ruin!—Heaven keep still The pillars of the state, lest they should fall, And leave the land to darkness and to woe.
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, Issue, Covenant, 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 critical point of maintaining the covenant between God and man. The poem warns against the dangers of dividing this sacred heritage, urging the preservation of faith, hope, and love, and praying for the stability of the state and the protection of the people from darkness and woe.

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.